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UBLISHEDBYSlSSONS &SON 

Vi f ORKSOP«- 



EVERY ACCOMMODATION IS AFFORDED TO TOURISTS 
AND PIC-NIC PARTIES, at the 




WORKSOP, 

AND ALSO AT THE — 

SWAN HOTEL, MANSFIELD. 

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 

Lord Ronald Gower, in his Reminiscences of the " Dukeries," says : 

"A drive of four miles further, and we reach the town of 
Worksop. There the Lion Hotel is much to be commended, the 
food and attendance being both excellent, and the house as clean as 
a Dutch village." 

Mr. Ruskin, on his visit to Worksop, was so charmed with 
the accommodation of this old favourite Hotel, that he sent for 
the Proprietor, to express to him his thanks. 

' ' A good specimen of the old-fashioned comfortable English 
Inn." — Visitors' Book. 

"And the Swan Hotel again sustained its fame for hospitable 
entertainment." — Tourist Rambles. 

Proprietor - F. L. Green. 



F. L. G. begs to inform his Patrons and Friends, that he 
has, by kind permission of His Grace the Duke of Portland, 
His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, and The Right Hon. the 
Earl Man vers, the privilege of holding Keys and Passes, whereby 
he has admittance to the beautiful Parks, Forests, and Grounds of 
the above Noblemen. 

These Hotels being under the same Proprietorship, Visitors 
may make use of the facilities afforded by the Proprietor at both 
Hotels ; and situated as they are, at the very opposite confines of the 
forest (12 miles apart), the peculiar excellency of their position will 
be readily understood. 




/2-^V^i 



an 



A RIDE OF A FEW MILES FURTHER BROUGHT US AT LENGTH AMONG 
THE VENERABLE AND CLASSIC SHADES OF SHERWOOD. HERE I WAS DE- 
LIGHTED TO FIND MYSELF IN A GENUINE WILD WOOD OF PRIMITIVE AND 

NATURAL GROWTH IT REMINDED ME OF THE ABORIGINAL 

FORESTS OF MY^.jslATiVE LAND," — Washington Irving. 

\ 



SISSONS'S 



"Beauties of Slprooil Forest:" 

A GUIDE 
TO THE "DUKERIES" 

And WORKSOP : 

WITH MAP AND COPIOUS ILLUSTRATIONS. 



COMPILED BY F. SISSONS. 
M 



WLotksap : 
Sissons and Son, 8, Potter Street. 

Hamilton Adams and Co., 32, Paternoster Row. 

1888. 
[All rights reserved.! 






WORKSOP : 

H. P. SISSONS AND SON, STEAM PRINTERS, 

8, POTTER STREET. 






PREFACE. 



THIS little work is designed more especially for 
the use of Visitors, who, having heard of the 
famous Forest of Sherwood, and the splendid palaces 
which stud its sylvan glades ; or, may be, of the an- 
tiquities of Worksop and its neighbourhood, desire to 
be better acquainted with them. To such we trust it 
will be useful, and also venture to hope that a peru- 
sal of its pages will be found of interest to residents 
of the locality. 

Our first acknowledgments are due to the noble 
owners for the unrestricted facilities they have kindly 
afforded us for inspecting their stately mansions, in 
order to describe, though inadequately, the priceless 
treasures they contain. 

In the course of compilation, we have availed 
ourselves to a considerable extent of the valuable 
"History of Worksop," by Edwin Eddison, and have 
likewise derived much assistance from Nicholson's 
highly-interesting work on the Priory Church, Work- 
sop, and Holland's admirable "History of Worksop." 
We have also to tender our obligations to the Rev. 
Hilderic Friend, f.l.s., for his article on the Flora of 
the District, and to Mr. R. Laing, m.r.c.s., f.r. met. 
soc, whose courtesy has enabled us to present much 
hitherto unpublished information relative to Cresswell 
Crags. We desire further to acknowledge the valuable 
information obtained from "Worthies of Nottingham- 
shire" and "Notes about Notts.," both by Mr. 
Cornelius Brown, f.r.s.l. ; whilst a reference to 
some of the best authorities has given us an opportu- 
nity of reproducing information not otherwise attain- 
able through the medium of popular publications, as 
well as of verifying historical statements. Our thanks 
are also due to several friends who have generously 
rendered assistance in various ways. ■ 

We confidently trust that the reader will find the 
book a pleasant companion while journeying through 
the "beauties of Sherwood Forest." 

F. S. 



CONTENTS. 



Introductory 
Worksop : — 

Modern aspect of . . 

S. John's Church 

Roman Catholic Chapel 

Priory 

Priory Remains, or Parish Church 

Ruins of S. Mary's Chapel 

Cloisters 

Priory Gate-house 

Conventual Buildings 

Old Cross 

Manor House and Park 
Clumber 
Thoresby 
Budby .. 

Birkland and Bilhagh . . 
Edwinstowe 
Ollerton 
Rufford Abbey 
Clipstone Palace 
Clipstone Lodge . . 
Celebrated Oaks : — 

In Birkland and Bilhagh 

In Welbeck Park 

"Parliament" Oak.. 
Welbeck Abbey and Park 
Cresswell Crags 
Steetley Church 
Shireoaks 
Gateford Hill 
Anston Stones 
Roche Abbey 
Osberton 
Hodsock Priory 
Serlby Hall .. 
Bolsover Castle 
Hard wick Hall 
Xewstead Abbey . . 
Robin Hood 
Flora of the District 
Rambles and Rides through Sherwood 
Descent of the " Dukeries 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Sherwood Forest 
S . John's Church, Worksop 
Roman Catholic Chapel, Worksop 
Original Minster as supposed — S.E. view 
— S. W. view 
Facsimile of Drawing executed during eighth century 
Canon Regular of the Order of S. Augustine 
Priory Church in 1845 — S .W . view 
,, Interior of 
Great West Doorway 
Priory Church — its present appearance 

,, Interior 
Remains of the Cloisters 
Priory Gate-house, Worksop 
Clumber 

Lincoln Terrace, Clumber 

Thoresby . . . . . , " 

Thoresby Bridge 
A Forest Road 

Entrance to Tunnel, Welbeck . . 

Picture Gallery, Welbeck 
Welbeck Abbey — 5. and E. Fronts .. 
His Grace the late (fifth) Duke of Portland— from Bust 
Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury .. 



PAGE 

I 

8 

9 
12 

x 3 
15 
15 
18 

19 
21 
22 

23 
26 
28 
36 
4 1 
52 
61 
66 

9i 
101 
104 

99 
141 




u 



I 



USUAL ROUTE "lAKHN BOUND THt "O UKER I EST 



Sketch map of the "dukeries" ' 




USUAL ROUTE TAKEN ROUND THE "p UKER I E S. v 




«*■ 



Among the fairest i and 
loveliest spots with which "this 
■- dear old England of ours is en- 
riched, the district embracing 
the romantic forest of Sherwoorl 
takes a foremost place, and must ever lend encTant 
ment t the { of Nature>s beauties ' e ^ en f «£ 

Antiquarian revelling in the choice relics of the past 

dale nut oif Z f U l g and sum ™r-when hill and 
dale put on their freshest green, when the varieH 

waftf the th f Statdy tre f rUStl6S in the soft *™» "Wet 
watts the fragrance of many scented flowers— brW 

thousands of weary workers, tired of the rTrky town 

and the carking cares of life, to enjoy the beautfes 



INTRODUCTORY. 



of the landscape and gain fresh vigour from the pure 
ozone, 

" Away from the dwellings of care-worn men 
The waters are sparkling in grove and glen ! 
Away from the chamber and sullen hearth, 
The young leaves are dancing in breezy mirth ! 
Their light stems thrill to the wild-wood strains 
And youth is abroad in the green domains." — Hemans. 

Is there a soul who is charmed with the wild 
rusticity of Nature in her primeval loveliness ? Is 
there one who views with pleasure the skill by 
which the handiwork of man has reclaimed from 
the mazy woodland, the trim pavterre and undulating 
slope of fertile pasture ? Is there an aesthete ravished 
with the triumphs of art which abound in the 
great houses of the nobles of the land ? Is there a 
student who loves to wander through the cloisters 
of ancient Abbey and ruined Priory, musing on the 
grey antiquities, memorials of the mighty dead ? 
If so, each of these can satisfy his bent no better 
than by a visit to that portion of the county of 
Nottingham designated " The Dukeries," and in- 
cluding the famous forest of Sherwood, one of the 
few remnants of the glories of a bygone age. 

. It is the purpose of this book to furnish the 
stranger with a Guide by which can be learned 
how best the beauties of Sherwood may be seen, 
and we trust that under its direction a visit to 
this historic neighbourhood may carry with it, by 
all who have made the tour, pleasant recollections 
of the homes of famous men, and of places and 
names which have made our country celebrated in 
the annals of the world. 

From its association with, the memory of 
" bygone times," and its intimate connection with 
some of the greatest names in our history, the town of 
Worksop possesses attractions of no common order to 
all in the least conversant with topographical lore. 
Placed, as it must be, in the same category as many 
other towns in our sea-girt isle, its origin seems to 
be involved in some obscurity. Concerning its 



INTRODUCTORY. 



state and affairs anterior to the Conquest there 
are no written memorials extant to assist our 
researches, though indications are not wanting of 
the residence of the Ancient Britons, including the 
discovery of many remains of great antiquity, 
amongst which may be noted the existence of 
tumuli or barrows (the ancient burial mounds of 
the Britons) in the vicinity, with the usual contents 
of bones and earthen-ware. The rich soil and 
favourable climate, together with advantages derived 
from a well-wooded and well-watered district 
afforded by this sylvan neighbourhood for the 
dwelling and sustenance of the ancient inhabitants 
of this island, render the presumption of its very 
early peopling, a matter quite within the range of 
probability. 

It is to the Norman era that we usually look 
for those reliable records which serve as evidences 
in local history, and in the pages of Domes- 
day Book (compiled under the direction of the 
Conqueror about 1086,) is certified the ownership 
of Elsi a Saxon nobleman, son of Caschin. This 
serves to prove the existence of Werchesop 
(Worksop) in Anglo-Saxon times. Its subsequent 
history will be found referred to under the heading 
of "The Lords of Worksop Manor" and more 
especially in our references to that portion of 
Worksop which is doubtless the chief centre of 
attraction — its venerable and noble Church, part 
of the remains of that ancient Augustinian Priory 
with which the *early history of the town is 
inseparably connected. 

The neat old town of Worksop, quaint in its 
accustomed trimness, is the rendezvous around which 
the visitor will find most to interest him, and it 
is here that his headquarters should, for ' a time at 
least, be fixed.. There need be no difficulty 
experienced in finding suitable accommodation at 
the various hostelries, as their reputation for kindly 
attention and good cheer has gone forth from all 
who have had the good fortune to partake of their 



INTRODUCTORY. 



hospitality. Indeed the traveller will find it a great 
advantage to entrust himself and his party to the 
thoughtful care of " mine host," or to the proprietor 
of one of the several excellent Posting Houses, as by 
this means difficulties will be avoided in obtaining 
permission to proceed through the private grounds 
of the noble owners of the mansions in the vicinity. 
A drive through the forest — now threading 
our way through the thick brushwood, flanked 
on either side by the tall monarchs of the growth of 
centuries, then spinning along the well-kept roads 
of luxuriant parks, where the axe of the woodman 
has opened up charming vistas stretching as far 
as the eye can reach — is a powerful appetizer, 
and while some neat-handed Phyllis is preparing 
a substantial repast, let us take a glance at Modern 
Worksop. 





MODERN WORKSOP. 




N wandering over this 
portion of the classic 
locality of Sherwood's 
once mighty forest, we 
will, for the time being, 
direct our attention to 
the consideration and 
examination of places 
and things as they now 
present themselves to us. 
With a noble frag- 
ment of a grand Minster 
as its Church, Worksop 
the capital of the 
" Dukeries," whose mag- 
woodlands come sweeping 
down to the very outskirts of the 
town, is not easily surpassed in 
general attractiveness. A gently- 

sloping valley, interspersed with wood- 
land and luxuriant pasture, meets the stranger on 
every hand as he perambulates the environs of 
Worksop, after alighting at the station, into which 
run the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire, and 
Midland Railways. Our clean little town has no 
factories — though auri sacra fames may ere long alter 
this, to the joy of some and dismay of others — 
belching forth steam and smoke to begrime its walls. 
The air is pure and undented, imparting health and 
vigour in its very breath. Now and then the sweet 



MODERN WORKSOP. 



luscious odour of golden barley as it is undergoing 
the malting process, is scented by the pedestrian 
as he passes some plain dark building, capped 
with its lofty cowl, denoting unmistakably the 
locale of a maltkiln. The manufacture of chairs 
has long been carried on with success at Worksop, 
but this in no way detracts from its physical 
and artistic features ; nor does the timber trade, 
which has of late years become a thriving busi- 
ness in the town, interfere with its rural appearance. 

According to Camden, the common English 
liquorice used to be grown in some parts of the county 
for sale at Worksop, but its cultivation has for many 
years been discontinued. In the neighbourhood 
the pursuit of agriculture is seen to its best advan- 
tage. Skill and capital have never been wanting 
to make the earth bring forth the richest of her 
fruits. The grinding of corn has for years been 
an established industry in Worksop ; the flour 
as well as the malt here produced being much in 
request in the neighbouring towns of Sheffield and 
Manchester, and elsewhere. These industries are the 
necessary accompaniment of an agricultural locality, 
and there can be nothing in them to pollute the 
atmosphere, or mar the pristine beauty of the sur- 
rounding scenery. 

The population of Worksop at the census in 
1881 was 11,697; in 1871, it was 10,410; and in 
1 801 it was 3,263, so there has been a considerable 
increase during the present century. The parish 
embraces the townships of Worksop, Gateford, 
Haggonfield, Osberton, Shireoaks, and Radford. 
This last named is an ancient appellation of the 
suburb in which the Church is situated. Leland 
in his Itinerary, observes " Wyrkesop is called in 
some old writings Radeford." 

The urban affairs are controlled by the Local 
Board of Health, whose offices are in the Town Hall; 
and to those in search of a health resort it will be 
a satisfaction to learn that the scheme of drainage, 
as prepared by Mr. R. Rawlinson, c.e., c.b., 






MODERN WORKSOP. 



ranks as one of the best pieces of sewerage 
construction in the country. An efficient Fire 
Brigade has also been equipped by the local 
authority. Worksop is supplied with water of 
absolute purity by the Waterworks Company, whose 
works lie on the north side of the town at a 
great elevation. The parish is in the jurisdiction 
of the petty sessional division of the county, 
attached to which is a numerous and effective body 
of police. A Co.unty Court for the trial of civil 
causes is also held monthly. The Postal and 
Telegraph Office is centrally situated in Potter 
street, next door to Messrs. Sissons and Son's 
printing and stationery establishment, where this 
handbook is published. Adjacent thereto is also 
the Town Hall and Corn Exchange, in an Italian 
style of architecture, built in 1851 by a Joint Stock 
Company. The arms of the Newcastle family, 
carved in stone, adorn the front. The clock was 
a present from the Duke of Newcastle, and is one 
of the most useful institutions in Worksop. There 
is a spacious Assembly Hall, also a Corn Sale-room, 
and adjoining is the Mechanics' Institute and News 
Room. The Workhouse of . the Union, which 
comprises 29 parishes and townships, stands on the 
north east side of the town, and was built in 
1837. A Dispensary was founded by Viscountess 
Galway in 1867, and there is also a Savings Bank 
in Bridge street. The firms of bankers are Messrs. 
Beckett and Co., and the Nottingham and Notting- 
hamshire Banking Company. 

Amongst the Places of Worship, besides the 
Priory Church with which we shall deal in another 
page, is 

S. JOHN'S CHURCH, 

A beautiful modern building near the railway station. 
The ecclesiastical district around it is bounded on 
the south by the river Ryton. It seats 580 persons, 
and 380 of these seats are free. The late Mr. 



8 



MODERN WORKSOP. 



George Savile Foljambe was a great benefactor 
towards its erection, which was mainly due to his 
liberality. Viscountess Milton laid the foundation 
stone on April 16th, 1868. The architecture is Early 
English, and presents a remarkably graceful and 

light appearance. Messrs. 
Clarke and Son, of Not- 
tingham, were the archi- 
tects, and their designs 
for a building with nave, 
chancel, aisles, vestry, 
clerestory, and western 
tower with spire 150 ft. 
high, embodying in vari- 
ous parts of the sacred 
edifice some exceedingl} 7 
choice examples of ec- 
clesiastical ornamentation 
have been carried out 
with admirable skill. An 
elaborate reredos of 
polished Sicilian and 
Belgian marbles, with 
panels of Derbyshire 
alabaster, has been 
erected by public con- 




S. John's Church. 



tribution, in memory of Mr. George Savile Foljambe, 
who did so much to assist the erection of this 
beautiful example of modern art in Worksop. At 
the summit of Park street stands the 



ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPEL. 



Here we observe a complete change from the 
prevalent style of architecture to which we shall 
refer in our notices of the older buildings. The 
edifice is designed in the style which prevailed 
about the early part of the reign of Henry VIII. 
It was built in 1840, by the twelfth Duke of 
Norfolk, who sold the Worksop Manor estate to 



MODERN WORKSOP. 



the Duke of Newcastle. The ornamentation of the 
exterior has been treated with much freedom, although 
the best examples of the period have been copied 
in its production. The nave is oblong, and the 
sanctuary semi-hexangular. There is a traceried 
window over the western entrance, and above this, in 
a richly canopied niche, is a statue of the Blessed 
Virgin Mary, to whom the church is dedicated. 
About 300 persons can be accommodated in the nave ; 




Roman Catholic Chapel. 



the woodwork in the roof of which exhibits an outline 
of Westminster Hall. White Roche Abbey stone 
has been used for the altar, at the back of which 
is a beautiful oak reredos. The length outside is 
80 ft. ; breadth 32 ft. ; height to roof-ridge 52 ft. 

On one side of the Chapel is a Cemetery, and 
situated in front of the Pastor's house is an 
appropriately laid-out pleasance. Alban Butler, 
author of the " Lives of the Saints." was once 



io MODERN WORKSOP. 

tutor to the Duke of Norfolk's family, and officiated 
as priest at Worksop. 

There is a commodious school, built by the Duke 
of Norfolk, in connection with the chapel. 

OTHER PLACES OF WORSHIP. 

The Wesleyan Chapel, built in 1863, and capable 
of seating 670, stands in Newcastle street ; The Con- 
gregational Church, in Bridge place, erected in 1876, 
and accommodating about 450 persons ; The Free 
Church, Potter street, built in 1837 and restored 
in 1875, affording accommodation for 550 people ; and 
The Primitive Methodist Zion Chapel, ■ John 
street, built in 1879, an d having about 500 sittings, 
will be seen to be all spacious buildings of modern 
construction. What will, however, occupy most of 
the Visitor's time, and furnish the more numerous 
points of interest, is an account of that famous 
religious foundation of w T hich the Parish Church of 
Worksop is the noble survivor, and to which we 
now direct attention. 




IBarksflp Iferjj : 



Its Foundation, Endowment and Dissolution 



WITH A DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNT OF 



THE PARISH CHURCH 




ilTH this venerable pile the history of Work- 
sop is closely interwoven, and without 
jj2 burdening the Tourist, who is out on 
pleasure bent, with a mass of genealogical and 
archaeological lore, we purpose giving, from the 
best authorities, a brief glance at the history of the 
men who reared the sacred Priory and filled it with 
saintly canons, and the events which subsequently 
turned mitred abbot and tonsured friar adrift, raz- 
ing the grey old Priory walls, and leaving on the 
minds of men but faint impressions of their early- 
glory, as of "the baseless fabric of a dream." 

" I love thy tower, grey ruin, 
I joy thy form to see, 

Though reft of all — cell, cloister and hall, 
— I love thy tottering wall." 

With the fall of the ill-fated Saxon at Hastings, 
William the Conqueror gained such a footing on 
English soil that it needed but a few more years 
to completely quell the turbulent nobles, and 
introduce the forms and usages of Norman chivalry. 
A powerful knight named Roger de Busli (or Builli), 
who came over with the Conqueror, seems to have 



12 



WORKSOP PRIORY. 



been remarkably favoured by his king ; for he was 
the holder of one hundred and seventy manors, 
many of which were in this districl. Some say 
that this might) 7 baron resided at Blyth ; others, 
that his principal seat was at Tickhill, and again 
that he now and then lived at Worksop. Elsi, the 
Saxon, had previously held the manor of Werchesope, 
but in allotting the conquered country amongst his 
victorious followers, the king granted the manor of 
Worksop to Roger de Busli, and it continued for 
two generations in the possession of lords of that 




South-East view of the original Minster as supposed. 

name. The grand heritage seems to have passed 
into the hands of another Norman knight named 
William de Lovetot ; whether through marriage 
with De Bush's own daughter, or through some 
other feudal arrangement, seems not to be within 
the realm of certainty at this distant period of time. 
Dugdale, in his Monasticon, where the charter is 
recorded, begins his references to the Priory, thus : — 
" Workesop Abbaihia fund at a fnit tertia idus Mail anno 
tertio Regis Henrici primi" which signifies that the 
13th day of May, in the third year of the reign of 



WORKSOP PRIORY. 



13 



Henry I. was the date at which the foundation of 
the Abbey was begun to be laid. We may take it, 
therefore, that Sir William de Lovetot founded the 
monastery about the year 1103, although it is sur- 
mised by some that a religious house existed previous 
to this time. Concerning the date of the founda- 
tion, we may here add the opinion of Mr. Nicholson, 
the architect employed in the restoration of the 
Church in 1846, who says : 




pIPiiiSK 



South-West view of the original Minster as supposed. 



" The two massive columns, one on each side at 
the east end of the nave, and the remaining portions 
of the present church eastward, as well as other 
fragments now extant, are of pure Norman architec- 
ture, and agree well with this date. From this it 
appears that the original Minster was built at two 
different times ; and, probably, as the nave indicates 
two distinct periods in its architecture, the earlier 



14 WORKSOP PRIORY. 

nave may have been partially destroyed, or the origi- 
nal design of the building was not completed until a 
less massive style began to be adopted, about seventy 
years after the original foundation, or about the 
year 1170." 

Its patron saint was S. Cuthbert, though after- 
wards the edifice was dedicated to S. Mary. 
This dedication to two saints is laid much stress 
upon by those who are of opinion that a place of 
worship existed here previous to the foundation of the 
Norman Priory. They hold that this double dedi- 
cation preserves the memory of its two-fold origin. 
That the foundation of the original Church dates 
back to a very early period, they aver, is indicated 
by its dedication to S. Cuthbert, who was the sixth 
bishop of Durham, and died in the year of our 
Lord 686. The new Priory is thus believed to 
have stood upon the site of, and incorporated, the old 
Parish Church of S. Cuthbert. The Norman founder 
of the Priory, with half-concealed contempt for 
the semi-barbarous saints of a subjugated people, 
assumed, in place of the local dedication, the 
Catholic title of the Virgin Mary ; but the name of 
the great bishop of Lindisfarne being too deeply 
rooted in the religious sentiments of the populace 
to be ruthlessly set aside, the Church of the people 
retained the name of S. Cuthbert, while that of the 
Canons was known as S. Mary's. Concerning this 
theory, however, we venture no opinion. 

The sacred pile was set apart for the habita- 
tion of the Canons of the S. Augustine Order, 
who in their monastic life obeyed very severe 
rules. They slept upon mattresses with woollen blan- 
kets, gave themselves to fasting, silence, study, and 
preaching, and we are informed by an old writer 
that " Pope Benedict the twelfth expressly enjoined 
reading, writing, correcting, and illuminating, as an 
avocation of the monks." We are likewise told 
that as regards neatness of execution and splen- 
dour of decoration they possessed eminent skill, 
and that some of the members were const antly en- 



WORKSOP PRIORY. 



15 



gaged in literary labours, while to their industry 
and capabilities in this respect we are doubtless 
much indebted. 

Much of the history 
of these holy men is, like 
their mortal remains, hid- 
den in dust and obscu- 
rity, but certain it is 
they have left in the 
precincls of their monas- 
tic abode a claim to 
something like venera- 
tion, for we cannot but 
reverence them for their 
zeal and piety, as evinced 
by their devotion to the 
religion they professed. 

The annexed illustra- 
tion, which is a fac-simile 
of an engraving obtain- 
ed from a most reliable 
source, gives a distinct 
impression of the habi- 
liment of the Canons of 
the Order of S. Augus- 

Canon Regular of the Order of 
S. Augustine. 

No one was admitted to the 
Order until he was 17. The re- 
gular habit was a long black cas- 
sock, over which was a white 
rochet, and again over that a 
black cloak and hood. The illus- 
tration here given is a fac-simile 
of a drawing executed during the 
eighth century, and originally be- 
longed to the Monaster)^ of S. 
Augustine, at Canterbury. It re- 
presents a very ancient penman in 
the exercise of his vocation, and 
is moreover itself a curious speci- 
men of the art alluded to. 





1 6 WORKSOP PRIORY. 

De Lovetot richly endowed the Priory with tithes 
and grants of land in various parishes round Work- 
sop. Richard de Lovetot was also a munificent 
benefactor of the Priory, and not only continued his 
father's grants, but contributed a tithe from his own 
rents. Another De Lovetot, son of Richard, was a 
generous patron of the Priory, and gave of his 
wealth a portion of his rents " on this side or 
beyond the sea." 

So it will easily be seen that there were not 
wanting Churchmen in those days ready to endow 
the religious houses in a princely fashion. It is 
to their beneficence that we now owe the pleasure 
of rambling bare-headed amongst the shrines of de- 
parted greatness, and seeing evidences in the architec- 
ture of the period, the germs of that talent which 
was to ripen into the beauty and chastity of the 
Renaissance. 

As years passed by and the revenues of the 
De L^etots' estates were devoted to the purpose 
intended by their donors, a stately minster must 
have reared its lofty fane. Conjecture can only be 
busy as to what was the exact appearance of the 
original edifice, but the period at which it was built, 
and the remains that are now left, give abundant 
reason for the surmise that the Cathedral Church 
of Southwell resembles it in many particulars. Most 
probably it was a cruciform structure, and had a 
central tower ; but this has long ago been doomed 
to destruction, together with the choir and transept, 
possibly by the ruthless hand of puritanical violence, 
which swept away so many of these beautiful speci- 
mens of man's handiwork. Another agency has 
worked its will on the defenceless walls : — 

"Time which antiquates antiquities, 
And hath an art to make dust of all things." 

That portion which remains — the nave and side 
aisles — is now the Parish Church of Worksop, and 
a grand old history it has, of which our townsmen 
may well be proud. These venerable vestiges of 



WORKSOP PRIORY. 17 

ecclesiastical magnificence — venerable even in their 
decay — are regularly used for the praise and worship 
of the Almighty by the descendants of those who 
contributed largely to the erection or endowment of 
the original Minster — monumental memorials of some 
of whom are still preserved within its hallowed pre- 
cincts ; whilst under the small green mounds outside, 

"Where heaves the turf in many a mould'ring heap, 
Each in his narrow cell for ever laid, 
The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep." 

To Archaeologists it will be interesting to put 
forward some of the reasons assigned upon which it is 
assumed that a central tower, choir and transept 
existed ; and, in pointing out these features, the 
visitor will be enabled to form his own judgment, 
according to" the depth of his studies in the subject. 
In the springing of the arches at the eastern 
portion of the church, some evidence is forthcoming 
that originally a tower was erected upon T( jthem; 
indeed, the indications here are so distinct as to 
place this surmise almost within the realm of cer- 
tainty. As to the former existence of the transept, 
when graves have been opened in the churchyard, 
the foundations of the south transept have been 
observed. With respect to the position of the ancient 
choir, its extent may, upon a minute inspection of 
the site, be traced with considerable accuracy. The 
churchwardens' memoranda of the year 1629 show 
a reference to an agreement relating to the repairs 
of the chancel of the church, which, by inference, 
has an important bearing on this conjecture. The 
agreement speaks of the chancel as "that place which 
is used now as the queare of the parish church of 
Worksoppe." This leaves the impression that there 
was at this time still lurking in the memory of the 
writer, a recollection of another grander, nobler choir, 
the substitute of which was only to be designated 
by the words "that place." 

The illustrations given (pages 12 and 13) of the ori- 
ginal Minster are reduced from sketches made by Mr. 



WORKSOP PRIORY. 



Richard Nicholson, architect, under whose direction 
the present Church was successfully restored in 1850, 
and to whose highly-interesting work on the subject, 
published by S. Sissons, we have previously acknow- 
ledged our obligation. Though much concerning 
the details is left to conjecture, sufficient evidence 
is extant to warrant the assertion that the original 
structure resembled, in general appearance, what is 
here illustrated. 

This noble sanctuary, in the zenith of its great- 
ness, calls up before the mind strange imagery of the 






'it ! UM 




South- West view of the Priory Church in 1845. 
{Previous to Restoration). 

past. Situated almost in the heart of " Merrie 
Sherwood," — infested with Robin Hood and his 
daring band of outlaws — was this splendid Priory. 
Whether the Canons ever received rude treatment 
at the hands of the bold companions or not, a 
time arrived in the history of England, which is 
so well illustrated in the local annals of Worksop, 
when the magnificence of the Priory had reached 
a climax, and was soon destined to decay. The 



WORKSOP PRIORY. 



19 



old story of the dissolution of the Monasteries 
need not be repeated at length here. King Henry 
VIII. resolved to dispose of the wealth of the 
Monasteries, and amongst those which suffered was 




Interior view of the Priory Church in 1845. 
(Previous to Restoration) . 

the Priory of Worksop. This took place in 1539, 
when the King sent a commission to Worksop to 
demand its surrender. The income then amounted 



20 WORKSOP PRIORY. 

to about ^"289 a year, and, besides the Prior, the 
establishment was inhabited by 15 monks. Subse- 
quently King Henry gave the Monastery and its 
lands, amounting to 2,333 acres, to Francis Talbot, 
fifth Earl of Shrewsbury, on a feudal tenure. When 
the monks were there no longer to watch over the 
sacred temple with tender care, it seems soon to have 
commenced to fall into decay. According to the 
entries in the churchwardens' accounts, there are 
numerous references to the sad condition into which 
the building was lapsing. Some parts of the roof fell 
in, and the iconoclastic spirit of the times is evinced 
in one entry (about 1560), as follows : " Item paid for 
bred and drynk at the abollyshing of the ymages & 
p'lling down of the alt [ar] viijd." In the church- 
wardens' accounts of the time of Queen Elizabeth 
appear many entries concerning the sale of stone, 
iron, wood, etc. During the removal some years 
ago of a very old building which stood upon the 
site of the present Town Hall, many beautiful 
carved stones were discovered, which had evidently 
been removed from the Priory ; indeed it seems as 
though the Conventual Buildings served as a stone 
quarry to the neighbourhood at that time. 

What are preserved to us as the remnants of 
the once mighty Minster are the nave and side 
aisles, which can be put to no better purpose than 
to be used as the Parish Church of Worksop. The 
same grand Liturgy of the Church of England, im- 
proved and beautified, is heard week-day and Sunday, 
and the sweet-toned voices of the choir, with 

" The holy organ rolling waves 

Of sound on roof and floor," 

echo the chorus of the stately service used when 
Prior and Canons worshipped within its walls. The 
edifice was completely restored in 1850, under the 
direction of Mr. Richard Nicholson, who was a 
native of Worksop. A triplet window, with a 
beautifully constructed wheel-window above it, was 
inserted about the time of the restoration. The 



WORKSOP PRIORY. 



21 



cost amounted to about ;£ 6,800, and the architect's 
plans were admirably carried out. A splendid 
work of art is the reredos, designed by Sir Gilbert 
Scott, and given to the Church by the fifth Duke 
of Newcastle. Its magnificence is alike worthy of 
the talented architect and the noble and high-minded 
donor. 

The style of the building is Norman, varied 
with examples of the transitional period, sometime 
about 1 170. The fine proportions of the two west 
towers, 100 feet high, will at once strike the 
spectator ; possibly in the early building they ma) 7 
have been surmounted with wooden spires, which 
were not uncommon in those days. Pinnacles 
adorn each angle of the battlemented parapet of 
the towers, but these are probably of a later period 
than the towers themselves. The lover of a well- 




Great West Doorway. 



preserved specimen of 
the Norman will find 
much to admire in 
the magnificent west 
door between the two 
towers. Here is a 
beautiful example of 
the semi-circular arch- 
way; the massive plain- 
ness, which is usually 
to be observed in Nor- 
man architecture, be- 
ing enriched by nail- 
head, dog-tooth, chev- 
ron and other orna- 
ments, showing the 
transition which was 
taking place in the 
twelfth century. A 
window above is sur- 



rounded by three rows of nail-head mouldings, and 
various other styles of ornament. There are two 
Norman doorways on the north side, one of which is 
highly enriched. Another means of entrance is by a 



22 



WORKSOP PRIORY. 



Porch, in the Perpendicular style, situated in front 
of the doorway on the south side of the Church. 
This portal possesses its original door of massive 
oak, which is overlaid with ironwork of a very intri- 
cate and beautiful design. Such are the chief 
features of the exterior of the building. 

The fabric is rich in the interior. On either 
side of the nave are handsome cylindrical and 
octagonal columns arranged alternately ; the pure 




Exterior of the Priory Church. — Its present appearance. 



Norman coining out very distinctly in the two at 
the east end. The capitals of the lighter shafts are 
chastely ornamented with leaves of the lily, above 
which is a row of tooth ornament. The length of 
the nave is 140 feet and there are two side aisles. 
Above the ten arches, which spring w 7 ith a bold yet 
tender grace, are the triforium and clerestory, the 
windows of the latter being very conveniently ar- 
ranged. The most interesting monument to the 
departed dead is contained in a thirteenth century 



WORKSOP PRIORY. 



23 



arch in the north wall. At one time it is probable 
an effigy was here, attached to which is a story 
that carries us back to the time of the Crusades. 
Thomas de Furnival, heir to the family which were 
once lords of Worksop, went to Jerusalem amongst 
the Crusaders, as was the custom at that time 
(1237), where he died and was buried. But his 




Interior of Priory Church. — Its present appearance. 

mother's grief that his remains should lie amongst 
infidels was such that his brother Gerard con- 
veyed his body from Palestine home, and " then 
tumulate here in Nottinghamshire, at Wyrksoppe, 
the north side of this Mynster." Judging from 
the position of the arch, and the period at 
which it was most likely constructed, it is reason- 



2 4 



WORKSOP PRIORY. 



able to surmise that it covered the Crusader's 
tomb. What remain of the other monuments in 
the Church are in a very dilapidated condition. 

The bells, which are eight in number, are hung 
in the north tower, and there is a fine organ, built 
by Messrs. Brindley and Foster, Sheffield. 

Amongst the patrons have been the Marquis of 
Rockingham, Earl Fitzwilliam, the Duke of Norfolk, 
and the Duke of Newcastle ; the last of whom 
has now the patronage of the living. 



S. MARY'S CHAPEL. 



"I do love these ancient ruins; 
We never tread upon them but we set 
Our foot upon some reverend history." 



Eastward of the Priory Church, but now detached 
from it, stands a beautiful ruin, testifying, in its 
desolation, to the early grandeur of the temple of 
which it formed a part, and to the remarkable taste, 
and elaborate skill of mediaeval architects. This is 
pointed out to the Visitor as that which remains of 
S. Mary's Chapel. Three sides of it are standing, 
but they are roofless. The date of its erection has 
been put at the middle of the thirteenth century. 
Possibly it may have been founded by Maud, wife 
of Gerard de Furnival, as the style of architecture 
corresponds with' the date of her residence here. 
By whomsoever founded, it is an exquisite fragment 
of the Early English style. The lancet-shaped 
windows are of great beauty, and almost perfect, 
forming some of the choicest specimens of their 
kind in the Kingdom. Most likely the Chapel was 
vaulted over and connected by archways with the 
aisles of the choir. One of the three buttresses to 
the south wall remains, and is a rare example. 



WORKSOP PRIORY. 25 

11 And, questionless, here, in the open court, 
Which now lies naked to the injuries 
Of stormy weather, some men lie interred ; 
Loved the Church so well, and gave largely to't ; 
They thought it should have canopied their bones 
Till Doomsday : but all things have their end. 
Churches and cities, (which have diseases like men). 
Must have like death that we have." 

According to Pigot, a Canon of the Monastery 
at Worksop — who, in the reign of Edward IV., 
compiled a rhyming record of the benefactors of the 
foundation, and to whom we owe much of our know- 
ledge of the early history of Worksop Priory — Maud 
Furnival's son William w r as buried in this Chapel, 
and several stone coffins have been brought to light 
through excavations ; but these have long since dis- 
appeared — so uncertain is man's final earthly resting 
place. The large stone which was upon the tomb 
of William de Furnival lay for years in the church- 
yard, and the feelings of the Antiquary will be 
shocked to learn that it was converted into a sink- 
stone at a house hard by. The following words 
were inscribed in ancient characters, round the stone, 

Me memorans, palle, simili, curris quia calle, 
De jFournivalle pro Willielmo, rogo, Psalle, 

which Monkish epitaph may be interpreted thus : — 
" Remembering me, turn pale ! and as thou art run- 
ning in a like path, sing a psalm, I entreat thee, 
for William de Furnival.'* 

Imagine this sonorous Latin inscription on the 
stone confronting the doughty house-wife as she 
proceeded about her domestic duties. Unless of a 
very aesthetic temperament, it is doubtful if she 
would have sacrificed the useful sinkstone to a 
sentimental veneration for choice relics. Had she 
been informed that this ponderous and venerable 
monument at one time covered the body of a noble 
Furnival, and had she understood the meaning of 
the strange characters upon it, the traces of which 
were yet legible, the worthy woman would doubtless 
have been somewhat startled. 



26 



WORKSOP PRIORY. 



THE CLOISTERS. 

On the north side of the Church are the 
remains of the Cloisters, near the site of the Prior's 
house supposed to have been attached to the 
north tower. Without determining the exadl extent 
of the cloisters, some speculation may be offered, 
and with considerable probability, as to the space 
they occupied. Most likely they formed a parallel- 
ogram, the Church taking up one side. They were 
vaulted, with possibly a dormitory over them. Let 
us look for one moment at the beautiful Norman 
entrance, enriched with the exquisite taste of the 
transitional period, an illustration of which we give 
below. Nothing could be more symmetrical than 
this remarkable relic. Probably through this the 
Prior would proceed to the chastely- adorned door- 
way in the north aisle, and so into the church. 

An ancient wall north 
of the supposed position 
of the Prior's house ex- 
hibits some round-headed 
apertures and corbels, 
giving good grounds for 
the surmise that it sup- 
ported some vaulted 
building. The string- 
course and window sills 
will also excite the 
imagination of the intelli- 
gent observer, who will 
bring his own judgment 
to bear on the supposi- 
tion that this wall was 
a portion of the cloisters. 
Considerable improve- 
ments have recently been 
made near these beautiful 
ruins. By the downfall 
of several old dilapidated 
Remains of the Cloisters. 



tariff w 
t4iPL»--{l mm 





WORKSOP PRIORY. 27 

out-houses, an eyesore has been removed, and the 
remains of the Cloisters, and the Church in 
immediate connection therewith, now present a 
highly-interesting and pleasing appearance. 

THE GATE-HOUSE. 

" The Priorie of Black Chanons there was a 
thing of great building. There is at the south side 
of the priorie cowrt a very fair great gate of 
hewyn stone." So says the observant Leland, who 
has mentioned in his Itinerary his visit to Worksop 
in the reign of Henry VIII. The "Priorie Cowrt" 
has long gone the way of much more of the noble 
building. The Gate-house is however nearly entire, 
and will form a very interesting subject for the 
examination of the student. This is supposed to 
have been erecled early in the 14th century. 

The shape of the building is cruciform, or better 
still it may be described as similar to the letter T. 
Its handsome gabies are seen at each point, 
towering above the buildings in the neighbourhood. 
That at the south was probably surmounted by a 
cross, although now only the stump remains. In the 
eastern gable may be seen a window with three 
lights, the tracery being that of the Early Decorated 
period. The north gable is plainer than that at 
the south, although the elevation is the same. A 
square-headed trefoil window is observed in the 
west gable. The principal front is that at the 
south, which measures nineteen yards in breadth. 
It is divided by vertical buttresses, and horizontally 
a string-course separates the building into two 
storeys. The wonderful symmetry of the buttresses 
deserves a little more than casual inspection. 
The two middle ones have niches which have lost 
their figures. Dodsworth, who journeyed to Worksop 
in 1634, states they contained the effigies of armed 
knights ; that on the west side exhibiting in 
sculpture William de Lovetot, the founder, bearing 



28 



WORKSOP PRIORY. 



a shield ; the other, on the east side, a similar 
figure, representing a Furnival, under whose auspices 
the building was probably eredted. A leading feature 
in the south front is the very handsome window 
above the archway entrance, which is of 6 lights 
with a transom dividing them. The mullions expand 
into quatrefoils. Some well-preserved sculptured 
figures may be seen in the canopied niches on either 
side of this window. They are in an erect position, of 




Priory Gate-house, Worksop. 

life-size, and are supposed to be clothed in white 
raiment. That to the east represents S. Cuthbert, 
the patron saint, while to the west stands S. 
Augustine, founder of the order of Canons who 
abode at Worksop. « 

In a similar niche, in the gable over the win- 
dow, is a figure of the Virgin Mary seated, above 
which is a circular trefoiied opening. 

The most observable feature, taking the best 
position from which to view the exterior, is the 



WORKSOP PRIORY. 29 

Porch which is at the entrance to the staircase, and 
which was probably an afterthought in the ereclion 
of the Gatehouse. This elegant appendage will 
be generally admired for its beauty of construction. 
Surmounting it at one time was a very beautiful 
battlement which has long since been demolished. 
It is in the Decorated style, and was originally 
entered both from the east and west, but the former 
entrance has been built up for many years. The 
richly canopied niches above formerly contained 
groups of figures, but these have disappeared, with 
the exception of a solitary one on the east side 
representing a part of the Salutation of the Virgin 
Mary. On the south side is an elegantly-pro- 
portioned window, formerly containing some beautiful 
tracery, and though it has been very severely mal- 
treated its ancient beauty can yet be discerned. 
Above is a bas-relief of the Adoration of the Wise 
Men. Inside the Porch is a handsome niche 
choicely canopied, and sufficiently large to contain 
a figure life-size. 

A public roadway passes through the gateway, 
which is about 12 feet wide in the centre. The 
huge piers that supported the gates still remain, 
along with their massive hinges. In the interior 
of this gate-house is a comfortable room with an 
immense fireplace, around which man) 7 a saintly 
father has mused before a genial blaze, enjoying 
otium cum dignitate while meditating on the mysteries 
of his calling. 

Whilst musing on the graceful proportions of 
these Conventual Buildings, which have survived the 
assaults of Barbarism, misguided Fanaticism, and 
" Time's effacing fingers," we venture to make a slight 
digression, in order to express the hope that, even 
in these utilitarian days, there will yet be found 
amongst us sufficient ardour and generosity to 
prevent the further demolition — gradual though it 
be — of such glorious mementoes of the past. 

Apart from their aesthetic grandeur, how forcibly 
do these " rich morsels of quaint antiquity" shadow 



3 o WORKSOP PRIORY. 

forth in the respective characteristics of their 
architecture, the very thoughts and feelings of the 
times in which they were erected. How clearly 
do they record — however disfigured by the fanatic 
or the " beautifier" — the habits, religion, government, 
and state of civilization of their respective periods ! 
How interesting, therefore, are these ancient build- 
ings to the civilized world, in enabling it to look 
back upon itself and contemplate its condition at 
various stages of its existence. 

To Specialists ever stone is suggestive of an 
idea ; every old building becomes an open book, 
offering, in the absence of written records, significant 
evidence towards the elucidation of the nation's 
history, as well as shewing what the genius and 
zeal of a past age had accomplished. Monuments 
of this description are thus worthy of more than mere 
local interest ; they become of national importance. 

To others than the Specialist or Antiquary — 
to every intelligent being, who, in these days of 
business and bustle, does not allow himself to 
entirely overlook the beautiful in Art — these exqui- 
site relics must, in the elegance of their proportions, 
the thought in their carvings, or in the striking 
splendour of their tout ensemble, ever be objecfls of 
the most dignified beauty. 

It must, therefore, surely be our bounden duty to 
transmit the inheritance which we now enjoy, 
unimpaired to the generations yet to come, and for 
this reason alone it is to be hoped that, whenever 
restoration or reparation of these Conventual Build- 
ings may be deemed requisite, a higher appreciation 
of their value will be found to prevail than is exhi- 
bited by the mere act of gazing and admiring them, 
and then carelessly allowing them to decay. In 
every reflective mind there will doubtless arise 
a feeling of admiration for these choice productions 
of human skill, inspiring it with a desire to secure 
the future preservation of such proud remains of 
former magnificence, which have afforded pleasure 
and gratification for ages, and which now put to 



WORKSOP PRIORY. 31 

shame so much of the architecture of the Nine- 
teenth Century. 

THE OLD CROSS. 

Stands nearly opposite the Gateway, but its shaft 
and conical steps alone remain. It was probably 
erecSted about 11 60, and its history recalls the time 
of the Commonwealth, when the common crier pub- 
lished the bands of marriage from this Cross, con- 
cerning which custom the Parish Register affords 
evidence. The markets and fairs of Worksop 
were most likely held around it in former days, 
and proclamations concerning the town or kingdom 
used to be made here. 

In the vicinity of the Church stands an old 
well, called the Prior's Well, and which gained a 
great name for the purity of its water in bygone 
days. Miraculous cures have been attributed to its 
virtues, and no doubt it was an important adjunct 
to the Priory. 








WORKSOP MANOR HOUSE AND PARK. 



^ JPPS |ST an easy distance from Worksop stands the 




Manor House, to which, after inspecting the 
J^jjS "lions* 1 of the town, a visit may be paid 
through the Manor domains — " a sweet and delectable 
place." The Manor Park adjoins the town, though the 
latter is hidden from view by the clusters of stately 
trees which everywhere stud the landscape. 

On arriving at the southern extremity of the 
town — the top of Park Street — the Visitor will 
observe, on the right-hand side of the road, the 
Lodge Gates, through which he will pass on 
entering the Manor Estate. The Park formerly 
contained 1,100 acres, and was eight miles in cir- 
cumference, but considerable portions of it have been 
merged in the Clumber estate. 

Immediately upon entering, the scenery opens 
delightfully upon the eye. The beautiful expanse 
of rich pasture, tenanted by numerous flocks and 
herds, varied on ever)' hand by the oak, the beech, 
the fir and the cedar, presents a scene of pictur- 
esque beauty which the Visitor is sure to admire. 
Southward are the waving woods of the Manor Hills, 
with their variegated foliage breaking the rich un- 
dulating greensward, and stretching to Welbeck 
Park, two miles away, In the foreground is the 
picturesque Castle Farm ; its Gothic front, embattled 
parapet, and castle-like appearance, adding greatly 
to the effect of the scene, which is still further 
enhanced by the foliage of the surrounding trees. 
One thick coppice of beech has been named the 
"Druid's Temple," while the "Lover's Walk" is 
the significant appellation of a quiet pathway, which 



WORKSOP MANOR. 33 

threads its way 'mid tall trees and woodland beauty, 
round by the " Plain Piece" — an extensive and 
beautifully-situated plateau — which is completely sur- 
rounded by majestic woods, and is used annually 
as a training ground by the local battalion of 
Rifle Volunteers. 

The north-west side of the Park is bounded 
by a wood known as the " Menagerie" whose smooth 
greensward walks and beautiful lake are encircled 
with the cedar, acacia, yew and birch, waving 
amongst luxuriant verdure, and looking down upon 
an amphitheatre of surpassing loveliness and beauty. 
Approaching the House, the Visitor will arrive at 
the large iron gates, which afford the means of 
entrance to the court-yard. 

The original mansion was commenced by the 
first Earl of Shrewsbury, and finished by the 
renowned Bess of Hardwick, Countess of Shrews- 
bury, to whom we have referred in the article on 
the " Descent of the Dukeries." The powerful 
Cardinal Wolsey was entertained here, and Mary 
Queen of Scots was a prisoner at the Manor, in 
custody of the sixth Earl. It will be remembered 
that the estate passed to the Dukes of Norfolk 
through marriage. 

The beautiful places in lovely Sherwood have 
not escaped the devastating effects of fire. A vivid 
recollection will remain for some time of the dis- 
aster which accompanied an outbreak at Clumber ; 
but more than a century previous — October, 1761 — 
the splendid ancestral home of the Talbots and 
Howards, at Worksop Manor, was burnt down. 
The damage was estimated at ^"100,000, and many 
choice relics were consumed in the catastrophe. 
The house was said to contain 500 rooms, and 
many celebrated personages had been entertained 
within its walls. An attempt was made to rebuild 
portions of it, but this was not completely carried 
out ; only one side of an intended quadrangle having 
been erected, though this in itself formed a Mansion 
of most noble size and appearance. The length of 



34 WORKSOP MANOR. 

this side was 303 feet, and the building would 
have formed, if finished, one of the largest houses 
in the kingdom. A lake was staked out to extend 
along the valley to Worksop, but this scheme was 
likewise abandoned. Though it may be considered 
of little use to refer in detail to the past glory 
of the house, yet its former magnitude and import- 
ance claim for it at least a hasty notice. 

In the centre of its handsome front, which 
presented a facade of lightness, extreme beauty, 
elegance and grandeur, was a portico with six 
large and handsome Corinthian columns, which 
supported the tympanum and pediment. A light 
balustrade surmounted the front, upon which were 
placed a number of highly-decorated vases. This 
front contained sixty-six windows. The exceedingly 
handsome sculptured pediment was surmounted by 
three figures : the one with wings representing " Divine 
Virtue," and the other two " Peace 1 * and " Plenty." 
In the triangle of the pediment were carved emblem- 
atic groups, allusive to the family alliances of 
the Howards. " The lion, dog, and horse," says 
Eddison in his " History of Worksop," represented 
strength, fleetness, and fidelity, and with these 
symbols was a view of the old mansion, in which the 
setting sun, broken columns, and shattered trees, 
expressed the devastation caused by the fire ; and 
again, flourishing oaks, feeding sheep, a ploughman 
tilling the soil, and architectural instruments signified 
its restoration and resumed hospitality. At the 
foot of the pediment was the motto of the Howards, 
' Sola virtus invicta'—' Virtue alone is unconquerable.' 
The interior of the Mansion was on a similar scale 
of magnificence. 

On the purchase of the Estate from the Duke 
of Norfolk, the demolition of the Mansion w T as 
commenced. After having removed the greater part 
of the building, the small portion left was repaired, 
and subsequently converted into a comfortable resi- 
dence, and occupied for some years by the then Lord 
Foley. It is now in the occupation of W. I. 



WORKSOP MANOR. 35 



Cookson, Esq., j.p. Near to the house is a 
cluster of old oaks of very large proportions, and 
there are also some fine specimens of the beech 
and cedar. There were, in this Park, some trees 
mentioned by Evelyn in his "Sylva," containing over 
six tons of timber each ; one in particular covering 
with its branches 2827 square yards. 




The Worksop Manor estate, belonging to the 
Duke of Newcastle, was sold at Sheffield on Thurs- 
day in lots, the whole realizing £106,000. The 

I Manor, which dates back to Saxon times, and has 
been visited by three English kings, was purchased 

I for £oo,000 by Mr. John Robinson, brewer, Not- 
tingham. O^^V /^<5s~r 




PQ 

u 



^■^tfigto* 



C L U M BE R. 




HEN the Tourist has visited 
the features of attraction 
in Worksop and its imme- 
diate suburbs, he will, in all 
probability, make inquiries 
for Clumber House, the famous 
seat of the Dukes of Newcastle. 
The distance is about four miles, 
and if the Visitor decide upon a 
pedestrian tour, he should leave the 
town by Potter Street, and just 
after passing the Priory Gate-house, 
take the first turn to the right, 
called Netherton road, thence by a 
footpath on the left over Netherton 
Fields. After crossing a narrow 
sandy lane, the gently -sloping hills, 
beautifully clothed with luxuriant verdure, will sud- 
denly burst upon the view. By following a winding 
pathway, through a most refreshing tract of forest 
scenery and waving corn fields, he will shortly emerge 
into Clumber Park. 

By far the larger portion of Visitors, however, 
will deem it advisable to avail themselves of some 
quicker mode of locomotion than that of " going 
by the marrow bone stage." Nor can the Tourist 
do better than hire a fleet-footed horse and comfort- 



38 CLUMBER. 



able vehicle to take him on the journey, for he has 
much to see ; and it is only by such means can 
he see to the utmost, within a reasonable time, 
the glorious panorama of nature, which shortly 
unfolds points of inexpressible richness, tenderness, 
and beauty. From the Railway Station, the road 
to Clumber leads directly through the town of 
Worksop, and proceeding along Park street, it soon 
ascends Sparken Hill. 

The stretch of woodland scenery will bring 
upon him feelings of ecstatic delight, as he gazes 
across the richly- wooded country. Taking the road 
for about half-a-mile, he will be charmed by the 
sublimity of the way-side verdure. 

Amid such a show of forest rareties, the Lodge 
Gates — the entrance to Clumber Park — will soon be 
passed, and then the full majesty of Sherwood's 
w r onders opens out to view. Here the purple 
heather mingles with the gold-hue gorse ; and 
above the bracken wave the branches of the tall 
fir and larch, whilst the wild woods resound with 
the musical merriment of the sylvan minstrels. 

Sometimes a mighty oaken giant rears his proud 
head, as though proclaiming sovereignty over the 
wild herbage, and defying the destructive hand of 
old Father Time to do his worst. The silvern 
birch overhangs the winding roadways, on either 
side of which Nature assumes her mantle of pictur- 
esque luxuriance, and reigns supreme as in the 
days of Robin Hood. The delicate tints of Flora's 
gems now and again grace the pathway, and make 
all surrounding redolent with their perfumes. The 
frightened coney hies him to his hiding place 
and defies persuit, as the footfall of the traveller 
wakes the echoes of the forest. The timid pheas- 
ant in its gorgeous plumage, startled by the strange 
intruder, suddenly bursts upon the wing, breaking 
the quietude of the scene by its cry of alarm, 
whilst here and there may be observed charming vis- 
tas of emerald glades and shadowy groves, bringing to 
our recollection, the beautiful lines of Mrs. Hemans : — 



CLUMBER. 39 



" And ever, through the shades, 
A swell of deep iEolian sound goes by 
From Fountain voices in their secret glades, 
And low-reed whispers, making sweet reply 

To summer's breezy sigh. 
And young leaves trembling to the wind's light breath, 
Which ne'er had touched them with a hue of death, 

And the transparent sky 
Rang as a dome, all thrilling to the strain 
Of harps that midst the woods made harmony 
Solemn and sweet. " 

One striking feature, after entering the precincts 
of the Park, is the result which Art, having skil- 
fully rendered her assistance to Nature, has produced. 
On either side of the excellent roads, charmingly- 
arranged beds of evergreens, newly-planted trees, and 
shrubs, have recently added considerably to the. 
beauty of the landscape ; forming as they do, with 
the surrounding foliage, an intermixture and contrast 
of shades and colourings, that will remain perfect 
in almost every season of the year. 

Clumber Park comprises about 4000 acres, and 
its circumference measures nearly 11 miles. Eighty- 
seven acres are covered by the waters of the placid 
lake, which glistens in front of the stately house. 
According to Domesday Book, Clumber was part of 
De Bush's fee, and, as will be seen on reference 
to the genealogical history, came into the Duke of 
Newcastle's family by marriage. Clumber House 
was built about 1770, by the second Duke of New- 
castle. It was said to be one of the most com- 
fortable and magnificent abodes to be found amongst 
the seats of the English nobility, and was celebrated 
for the treasures it contained. The mansion has 
three fronts, and along the principal one, which is 
mirrored on the silvery surface of the lake, runs 
a delicate Ionic colonnade, surmounted by the arms 
of the family. 

For a quarter of a mile along the margin of 
the lake, which cost ^"7000 in construction, extends 
a beautiful terrace or pleasure ground laid out in 
the most tasteful manner, and profusely decorated 



4 o 



CLUMBER. 



with marble statues and sculptured vases, and 
from which there is a glorious view of the sur- 
rounding woodland. Adjoining this charming parterre 
are vast lawns, that extend like sheets of vivid 
green, with here and there clumps of gigantic trees 
heaping up rich piles of foliage. The cedar, the 
yew, the pine, and the fir, blend their innumerable 
shades of Nature's tints, and refledl their quivering 
branches in the glassy lake, in whose limped waters 
the trout roam fearlessly about ; while across the 
broad expanse of " shimmering sheen," and situated 
amid the distant woods, a small rustic temple, grown 
green and dank with age, tends to give an air of 
classic sandtity to the vicinity. All around seems 
to be enchanted ground, worthy the seat of one of 
England's greatest nobles. Riding gracefully on 
the crest of the lake are two gallant vessels, 
christened the " Salamanca," and the " Lincoln," 
the latter being of 40 tons burden. 

The marble fountain in the centre of the 
terrace was brought from Italy, and has two basins ; 
the lower being 12 feet 6 inches, and the smaller 
one about 4 feet in diameter. Four dolphins 
support the higher basin, from the top of which 
a fountain throws upwards a clear pellucid stream, 
which falls again in thousands of dainty globules. 
This magnificent triumph of handiwork was cut 
from one solid piece of marble weighing 50 tons. 
It is, however, only one example of the countless 
modes of adornment which may be found at every 
turn of this noble edifice and its surroundings. 
No home in the country is better known than 
Clumber. Its owners have been men of high rank 
and great wealth, and they have permitted the 
public at different times of the year to visit the 
house and see the treasures it contains. The Dukes 
of Newcastle have been patrons of Art, and collec- 
tors of the best productions of painters for many 
generations, and the Clumber collection is well 
known all over the country, containing, as it does, 
celebrated specimens of the handiwork of the most 



CLUMBER. 



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Lincoln Terrace, Clumber. 
(From Photo, by G. W. Wilson &> Co.) 

illustrious amongst the ancient 
masters. 

Some of the most valuable 
of these pictures were lost in 
the disastrous fire, which, it 
will be remembered, occurred on 
March 26th, 1879. Through 
this unfortunate event more 
than 20 rooms were wrecked, 
and a large number of most 
valuable art treasures, letters, and MSS. entirely 
destroyed. Happily, by the prompt action of the 
housekeeper, and others who were on the premises, 
fire brigade assistance was quickly procured, and 
in about six hours the flames were mastered, and 
a considerable quantity of the principal articles de luxe 
and other valuables saved. 



42 CLUMBER. 



The greatest havoc was caused in the Breakfast 
Room, on the roof of which the fire commenced. 
Every article within the walls of this unfortunate 
apartment was consumed. Amongst the most 
serious losses were many valuable paintings, including 
" The Virgin and Child," by Albert Durer ; a grand 
sea-piece, by Ruysdael ; " Peasants playing at bowls," 
by Teniers, etc., etc. On the Staircase also some 
valuable paintings, four magnificent vases, and hun- 
dreds of pieces of old Sevres china of priceless 
worth succumbed to the ravages of the flames. 

That portion of the house which was destroyed 
was the oldest part, comprising the west front, 
grand staircase and entrance hall ; but the eminent 
architect, Mr. Charles Barry, has drawn some elabor- 
ate plans, which have been partially carried out, 
and when finished will render Clumber even more 
palatial than ever. 

A visit to the interior of the house will highly 
delight all those who enjoy seeing the appointments 
of a well-ordered mansion, or those whose aestheticism 
revels in the sight of beautiful pictures and articles 
of vertu. The State Dining Room measures 60 feet 
in length and 34 feet breadth, so that it will 
accommodate about 150 guests. On the walls 

hang the celebrated market pieces, the joint pro- 
ductions of Snyders and Langan, representing game, 
fish, fruit, and poultry. These priceless pieces 
narrowly escaped destruction in the fire, but hap- 
pily they were saved. There are also two landscapes 
by Zuccarelli, and a large painting by Weenix. 
These seven alone are valued at ^"25,000. The 
ceiling and cornices of this charming apartment 
are richly gilded ; the walls and curtains being 
blue, of a subdued tone. The internal fittings are 
all exceedingly choice and elegant. 

Perhaps the solid stateliness of the Grand Hall 
will excite the greatest amount of interest in the 
general observer. Its spacious proportions at once 
strike the Visitor with admiration. This hall, as 
already stated, has only quite recently been erected, 



CLUMBER. 43 



and occupies the site which the recent fire rendered 
vacant by its savage onslaught. Its roof and gallery 
are supported by shapely marble pillars, with orna- 
mental capitals. The style of the apartment is 
classic, and the span of the beautiful arches is im- 
posing and dignified. The floor is composed of 
marble, mosaic, and tesselated work, laid with rare 
skill. It measures 92 feet long, by 45 feet wide. 

In the hall is a colossal statue of Napoleon, by 
Canova — by some attributed to Franzoni, — a superb 
statue by Bailey, of Thetis plunging Achilles into the 
river Styx. Urns from Pompeii, busts of Pitt and 
Fox, by Nollekens, and of Shakespere, Peel, and 
Oliver Cromwell are to be seen ; as is also a bust of 
the late Duke of Newcastle, by Belt, which played 
a not unimportant part in the law courts, when 
that artist's abilities were called in question. Those 
who knew his Grace testify to the accuracy of the 
likeness, which is strong evidence in favour of the 
skill of the sculptor. There is also a well-executed 
bust of the fifth Duke of Newcastle, by Dewick, of 
Retford. A copy from Rome, of Laocoon strug- 
gling in the coils of the serpents, will also attract 
attention. The apartment is further enriched by 
some good examples of the old masters, including 
a fine painting— " Southwark Fair" — by Hogarth, and 
a grand forest scene, by Gainsborough. Conspic- 
uous features in this magnificent hall are two large 
tables, in the vestibule, with very choice inlaid 
marble slabs, and also some handsome bronze vases. 
A grand staircase of marble and Parian cement, of 
three flights, with marble dado, leads to the gallery 
above, where the balusters of alabaster and marble 
exhibit some excellent workmanship. 

The grand Drawing Room was re-decorated in 
1 86 1 for the reception of the Prince of Wales. Its 
walls are hung with a rich cream satin damask ; the 
furniture being chastely gilded, and the upholstery 
consisting of light blue satin damask.. The apartment 
presents a most elegant appearance, and contains 
many costly articles of priceless value. Here are 



44 CLUMBER. 



pictures by Vandyke, Murillo, Castiglioni and 
Lawrence. The richly-gilded chandelier is of an ex- 
ceedingly beautiful character. Some very choice ebony 
cabinets, mounted with ormolu and inlaid with buhl, 
will command the attention of the Visitor, as will 
also the exceptionally-handsome gilded cornices and 
various other carved work, which formed part of 
the appointments in the Doge's palace at Venice ; two 
costly tables with marble slabs, inlaid with Indian 
precious stones, from the King's palace, Bermuda, 
are likewise worthy of notice. 

Vases set with precious stones and ornamented 
with filigree work are disposed around the room in 
the most exquisite taste, and the connoisseur of china 
may find many rare examples of Sevres, Chelsea 
and Dresden manufacture. 

In the small Drawing Room may also be seen 
furniture of tulip wood and rose wood, richly 
mounted with ormolu. The paintings in this room 
are by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin, Van der 
Meulen, Teniers, Canaletti and others. Perhaps the 
best known picture in the Clumber collection hangs 
in this room. It is " Sigismunda, daughter of 
Tancred, King of Sicily, weeping over the heart of 
her murdered lover." The painting was in Sir Luke 
Schaub's gallery, and has been attributed both to 
Corregio and to Furini ; but whoever of these great 
masters is the painter, the wonderful study has caused 
a great sensation in the world of art. This is the 
picture Hogarth is said to have selected for the 
purpose of copying, in order to prove that the old 
masters were not superior in the talent they dis- 
played to the modern painters. When Hogarth's 
example was finished, it drew from Horace Walpole 
the cruel criticism, that his Sigismunda was like 
" a common courtezan, with eyes red with rage and 
usquebaugh, tearing off the ornaments her keeper 
had given her." The most casual observer will not 
fail to notice the inimitable expression on the features 
of the distracted Sigismunda ; and though even 
the mighty genius of Hogarth was baffled in the 



CLUMBER. 45 



endeavour to transfer the look again to canvas, the 
failure in such a difficult task ought not to detract 
from the appreciation of his undoubted merits. 

The small Dining Room, like the small Drawing 
Room, was turned into a busy workshop after the 
disastrous fire, and has been restored with a new 
ceiling. Here are landscapes by Claude Lorraine, 
a stag hunt by Wouvermans, two masterpieces by 
Teniers, — the " Brickmakers" and " Cardplaying" ; 
the " Entombment of Christ" by Vandyke, a 
portrait by Lely, and paintings by Rembrandt, Van 
der Meulen, Rosa di Tivoli, Poussin and others. 

Probably, of all others, the most imposing 
apartment in the mansion is that where even greater 
works of the human mind, than those mentioned, 
are stored, and for which Clumber is justly cele- 
brated — the Library, 

11 Whose gloomy aisles and bending shelves contain 
For moral hunger food, and cures for moral pain." 

Its length is 45 ft., with width and height proportion- 
ate. The capacious shelves contain a great variety 
of the best home and foreign authors ; and there 
are many choice copies of scarce works, both letter- 
press and manuscript. The fittings of the room 
are of Spanish mahogany, of rare quality, the doors 
being singularly fine, and the panelled ceiling is 
richly painted. In this room, again, are some 
handsome tables and cabinets, of tulip wood, rose 
wood and other choice grains, mounted with ormolu. 

Surrounding the apartment is a handsome 
gallery, with balusters of ormolu ; and the beauti- 
ful fluted jasper columns, which support the 
arch in the centre of the room, are worthy of notice. 
There is also a pair of priceless secretaires, which 
once belonged to Louis XIV., and a superb statue 
of Euphrosyne, by Westmacott. 

In the Study, the most noticeable feature is 
the elaborate marble chimney piece, which was 
bought for ^"1500 at the sale at Fonthill Abbey. 
There are some fine paintings, notably, Nell Gwynn, 



46 CLUMBER. 



Charles I. and Charles II., Louis XV. and his 
Queen ; also a number of family portraits, in- 
cluding one by Holbein, of the Countess of 
Lincoln ; Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of New- 
castle, by Lely, and Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, 
by Richardson. In Mr. Cornelius Brown's 

" Worthies of Nottinghamshire," there is an excellent 
biography of this accomplished lady, which tells us 
that she was one of the " most remarkable women 
of her day, was celebrated alike for her personal 
charms, her classical attainments, the extent and 
variety of her information, the skill of her epistolary 
composition, and the earnestness and vigour with 
w T hich she threw herself into any cause which aroused 
her interest and w T on her sympathies." It is believed 
that Lady Mary was born in the old hall at 
Thoresby, which was destroyed by fire in 1745, 
She was an indefatigable student, and fell in love 
with Mr. Wortley, who was also an excellent scholar. 
Some family dispute arose, and the Marquis of 
Dorchester attempted to provide a suitor for his 
daughter, meanwhile, she eloped with Mr. Wortley, 
and married him. Subsequently, she led a distin- 
guished career, was popular at court, and the friend 
of the literary celebrities of the day. In this room 
also are six very choice cabinets of buhl, con- 
taining rare pieces of old china. 

The various other rooms which the fortunate 
Visitor will be shown, all correspond with the state 
apartments in the richness and profusion of their 
appointments, and the articles of vertu which they 
contain. There are also in them many family 
portraits by Gainsborough, Hoare, Holbein, Kneller, 
and others ; indeed, the whole mansion is a vast 
picture gallery of examples by the old masters, 
whilst the furnishings throughout are on a scale 
commensurate with the dignity of the home of the 
Dukes of Newcastle. 

Amongst other objects of attraction are 
a bas-relief of a Boy and Dolphin, in the Lincoln 
Hall, and, in one of the corridors, a superb 



CLUMBER. 47 



painting by Rubens, of the Crowning of the 
Virgin. 

The Billiard Room with its contents is entirely 
new, and being situated in a convenient part of 
the house, affords a pleasant retreat in which the 
popular game may be indulged. 

One of the first undertakings which claimed 
the Duke's attention on attaining his majority, was 
the building of a new Chapel in place of the former 
one, which was never used, and which has been 
recently pulled down. The new sanctuary is de- 
signed to be one of the most exquisite ecclesiastical 
structures of modern erection, as will be seen from 
the following description : — 

The building of this Chapel was commenced 
in 1886. Its position, though not exactly the same 
as that occupied by the former edifice, is but a 
short distance from it. The site chosen is rather 
further from the mansion, and is on ground which 
rises slightly from the lake. The situation is one 
of an exceedingly beautiful character, sheltered and 
ornamented as it is by a belt of very fine trees, 
which cast their broad shadows on the Chapel 
itself, whilst the terrace, lake, and the distant 
landscape make a picture that is charming beyond 
conception. From the east end there is a long 
stretch of velvety turf, which permits a perfect 
view of the chancel end. Although the building is 
designated the Chapel, and is, in fact, the private 
Chapel of the Duke, it has much of the character 
of a Collegiate Church. The nave, or western 
arm of the cross — for the building is cruciform in 
plan — is of one span, without aisles ; thus bearing 
the characteristics of a Chapel rather than of a 
parochial Church. The central tower is to be sur- 
mounted by a stone spire, with short transepts on 
the north and south. The choir, it will be noticed, 
is of considerable length. 

The whole building is of high, and indeed lofty 
proportions. The width is not considerable, but 
much effect is gained by its height. In character, 



48 CLUMBER. 



the building is strictly English ; being of English 
architecture of the middle of the fourteenth century, 
and constitutes what is called the " flowing 
Decorated." The beautiful old Gatehouse at Worksop 
is of this style. 

The Nave, Transepts, Tower, Choir, and the 
South Chapel, are all vaulted in stone ; the Choir 
being the richest in this respect. 

Externally the walling is of local white stone ; 
much belonging to the previous Chapel being 
utilized. . The interior is all in red Runcorn 
sand stone. Internally, the edifice, especially the 
Choir, is to be exceedingly rich in carving, mould- 
ings, stained glass windows, and other ornamentations. 
The Chapel will be dedicated to S. Mary the Virgin. 

The general appearance shows an attempt to 
reproduce — not without originality of design — the 
manner of an old English Church of the best 
period of our national architecture. The architects 
are Messrs. Bodley and Garner, of Gray's Inn, 
London ; Mr. Franklin being the builder. 

Of the grounds and gardens surrounding 
Clumber, it is impossible to describe them in the 
small space at disposal, to in any way do justice to 
their details ; but suffice it to say that refined 
taste, skill, and money, have combined to make 
them picturesque and beautiful. The kitchen 
gardens are situated to the north-east, at some 
distance from the mansion, and extend over six or 
seven acres of ground, with about eighteen hot and 
other houses. 

The noble Duke is a great lover of Nature. 
When he is at Clumber, he spends much of his 
time in the grounds ; and as he is fond of the 
angler's gentle art, the broad waters of the lake 
furnish him with congenial sport. It is the 
sincere wish of all his tenantry, and those in 
Worksop and neighbourhood who are proud of his 
ancestors, that the inheritance of his Grace may 
be long extended, and that every blessing may be his. 



CLUMBER. 49 



Having seen the beauties of Sherwood as ex- 
emplified in the solid grandeur of Clumber House, 
containing, as it does, some of the most intrinsic 
treasures in the world of Art, and surrounded as it 
is by a matchless combination of natural and 
artificial adornments, we shall now proceed to point 
out to Visitors who honour us by taking this book 
for their guide, the many charming scenes which 
line the route to Thoresby, the seat of the Right 
Honorable the Earl Manvers. The two ducal 
houses (for as it will be seen by our pedigree of 
the " Dukeries," Thoresby was formerly the seat of 
the Dukes of Kingston, from whom Lord Manvers 
is descended), are about three miles apart ; the route 
lying through some of the most enchanting of 
woodland scenery. 

Leaving Clumber House, the road to the right, 
running almost parallel with the lake, is that which 
must be taken, and this leads to a symmetrically- 
construcled bridge of three arches, which spans the 
lake. From this bridge perhaps the finest view 
on the whole estate may be had, and here, there- 
fore, a halt must be made, for the purpose of 
glancing at the peerless vistas of arboreal beauty, 
which open before the vision of the ecstatic be- 
holder. On the left a comprehensive view of 
Clumber House is accompanied by a delightful 
panorama of Nature's harmonies. The rich foliage 
of the trees blends its varied hues as the soft 
breeze from the lake rustles through the branches, 
which bow their whispering homage over the margin. 
The placid waters are now and then thrown into 
playful ripple by the frightened moor-hen skimming 
the surface with timid eye. Wafted on the air 
comes the dainty scent of Flora's perfume ; the 
quiet solitude of the forest being broken only by 
the melodious chorus of a thousand birds, fault- 
less in the purity of their notes, and ceaseless in 
their mellifluous strains, varied by the startled cry of 
some of the aquatic birds which frequent this spot, or 
by the murmuring sound of the adjacent waterfall. 



CLUMBER. 



Peering through this matchless scene, and viewing 
the house, terraces, church, and islands, with the 
two handsome vessels riding gracefully upon the 
stretch of peaceful waters beyond — which, from a 
wide and winding current, has expanded into a 
handsome lake, extending as far as the eye can reach, 
until, departing from its straight line, it is lost in 
the Hardw T ick woods — we cannot wonder that even 
poets have soared to subJime heights in their vain 
efforts to describe adequately this most enchanting 
scene. From the bridge to the right, the lake, 
which is here completely embosomed in magnificent 
woods, abounds with waterfowl, conspicuous among 
w T hich are the majestic snow-plumed swans, gliding 
along w r ith the gentle flow, or breasting the oppo- 
sing stream w T ith stately pride and. conscious dignity. 
But the calm tranquility of the scene must not 
hold the Tourist captive too long indulging in 
admiring rhapsodies. Fresh splendours await him 
on every hand as he pursues his way towards 
Thoresby, and he will soon have passed " Patrick's 
Lodge," which adjoins the gates that divide the 
two estates. 




T HO R E S B Y 




EW rural drives present 
more attractions than 
that which leads from the 
Lodge Gates to Thoresby 
'** House. For about a mile 
the Tourist will be enam- 
oured with the forest scenery ; 
pretty vistas now and then 
peeping out through the 
grassy glades. Then he 
emerges into the Park, with 
the deer bounding and start- 
ing at the footfall of the 
stranger. Whole herds can 
be distinguished in the horizon 
gracefully feeding on the rich 
herbage, while the hawthorn 
and the mistletoe greet the eye 
l on every hand. Under the 
■— - branches of the giant trees, 
which everywhere stud the 
landscape, prize strains of Scotch 
cattle and Southdown sheep graze 
in peaceful quietude, and the delic- 
ious purity of the air lends new 
vigour to the enjoyment of Nature's 
beauties. 



52 



THORESBY. 



On entering the open Park, the most unobservant 
cannot but notice the remarkable order yet pristine 
appearance of the whole demesne, which, indeed, 
is one of the chief characteristics of this estate. 
The unstinted, yet discreet hand of the noble 
owner, the judgment of the steward, and the taste 
of the gardener are discernible on every side. All 
that could contribute to the elegance of its appear- 
ance, and its comfort as a residential mansion, has 







Thoresby. 
(From Photo, by G. W. Wilson &> Co.) 

been brought to bear on the Thoresby establish- 
ment ; and nowhere in the country, perhaps, is 
there a more perfect ideal of the abode of a high- 
minded English nobleman. Whilst it is apparent on 
every hand that Art has been requisitioned to lend 
enchantment to natural beauty, yet the latter 
has not, as is unfortunately too frequently the case, 
been impeded, or in the least degree shorn of 
its wondrous charms. Neither does this reference 



THORESBY, 53 



to the happy and considerate care bestowed upon 
this most magnificent Park and abode, in any way 
relate to the adjoining forest, where every endeavour 
is made to maintain the wild features of "merrie 
Sherwood" in all their ancient beauty. Here Nature 
is allowed to have her sway. Here one meets 
with woods all rough and unkempt, with green 
mossy roots creeping down the loamy banks, and 
under every root the deep shadow of a rabbit 
hole ; where yet can be seen the monarch of the 
forest in all his native grandeur — woods where one 
gets a whiff of the forest smell, that subtle essence 
which is so apt to go to the head of the true 
child of Nature ; that savour of last year's leaves, 
of this year's buds, of dead branches, of rising sap, 
of fragrant mosses, of rich earth. Assiduous care is 
ever manifested by the noble owners that Sher- 
wood, though sadly shorn of her fair proportions, 
may yet be preserved in Birkland and Bilhagh in all 
her primitive beauty and sylvan splendour. 

These majestic houses situated in the midst of 
the famous forest, vividly remind us of feudal times, 
when, beneath the shelter of some mighty chieftain, 
the industrious villein passed his peaceful life, 
careless of the turmoil and strife of the busy 
world. The well-known and sublime stanza of Mrs. 
Hemans is called to the mind when journeying 
through this highly-favoured district — 

"The stately homes of England ! 

How beautiful they stand, 
Amidst their tall ancestral trees 

O'er all the pleasant land ! 
The deer across their greensward bound 

Through shade and sunny gleam ; 
And the swan glides past them with the sound 

Of some rejoicing stream." 

Thoresby Park is upwards of twelve miles 
in circumference ; the north-east ranging to a 
vanishing point of heather tracts and beech forests. 
To the east, a velvety slope is crowned by 
a wood of pines and firs, while to the south and 



54 THORESBY. 



south-west are mighty trees, whose antiquity carries 
us back to the time of the Crusaders. 

Now and again the Rufford Hounds make the 
w r elkin ring with their music, and the noble owners 
of the mansion hard by have ever been keen followers 
of the chase in which there is so much exhilarating 
exercise. In a westerly direction lies the lake, 
formed by the river Meden, about which streamlet 
there is a curious fable, to the effect that when a 
handsome miniature vessel rides peacefully on its 
crest, that is the one in which Mother Shipton 
will sail in her voyage over the forest. 

The margin of the water is skirted by the 
silvern birch and other trees of gorgeous foliage ; 
indeed, at every point of the compass, there is 
something to enchant the lover of rustic scenery. 

The Mansion which existed in the time of 
the celebrated Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (whose 
family history with that of the Pierreponts we have 
given in our Pedigree of the " Dukeries," and to 
whom we have also referred in our notice of the 
Clumber pictures) was destroyed by fire in 1745, 
when nothing was saved but the writings, plate, 
and some of the best of the furniture. A house 
was built on the site of the old one, which twice 
escaped a similar fate. Describing this second 
noble erection, Mr. Eddison, in his history of 
Worksop, says : " It is built of red brick, and its 
appearance, if less classic, is certainly suggestive of 
old English comfort — a desideratum, even in the 
most beautiful scenery. The basement story is of 
stone, with two stories of brickwork above-; the 
principal front having a tetrastyle portico of Ionic 
order in ornament ; the w r indow frames are richly 
gilt externally. From the entrance hall, a double 
staircase, surmounted by a dome, leads to the 
principal rooms, and a very rich effect is produced 
by a light entering upon it through windows, 
yellow-stained. In the east entrance hall, is an 
interesting representation in chiaro-oscuro of the 
Grecian Horse before the walls of Troy, — soldiers 



THORESBY. 55 



descending into their place of concealment, (its 
capacious body) by means of an opening in the 
back, thus to surprise the city that had so nobly 
stood its 10 years' siege There is also a portrait 
and a bust of the patriot Pascal Paoli, the 
celebrated Corsican, who, after gallantly asserting 
his country's rights, first against the Genevese, and 
then the French, was drawn by Louis XV. of 
France from his native land, and found an hospi- 
table and peaceful retreat at Thoresby, with his 
friend, the Duke of Kingston. The portrait is in 
the octagonal drawing room — a noble apartment — 
richly hung with crimson damask, looking upon the 
pleasant glades of the old forest. The rooms are 
well furnished, and in the dining room is a recess, 
divided from it by four elegant pillars, spirally fluted 
with gilt capitals." Such was the old hall, which for 
about a century and a quarter, withstood the 
ravages of the hand of time. 

When the present noble earl succeeded to the 
estates, he formed the laudable intention of erecting 
on the site of this old structure, a statelier, more 
durable and more magnificent abode. The dwelling 
of brick was taken down, and in its place has 
arisen the beautiful mansion of Steetley stone, 
which now forms one of. the best-designed and 
most interesting habitations of the many wonder- 
inspiring palatial residences in our much-beloved 
country. The exterior of the house prepossesses 
the Visitor with its light and handsome appear- 
ance combined with the symmetry of its pro- 
portions. Its details are delicate, and finished 
with rare skill. It was built from well-drawn 
designs by Mr. A. Salvin, and his ideas have been 
well executed by a firm of London builders. The 
front on the east measures 180 feet, while the west 
front is 159 feet, and the south front 182 feet 
wide. 

The principal entrance is approached through 
some massive w T rought-iron gates, manufactured 
at Birmingham. Gaining the entrance hall, 



5 6 THORESBY. 



a striking feature is the effedl of the beautiful 
encaustic tiles from Germany, with which the floor 
is laid. The walls are ornamented with various 
ancient weapons of war, and spoils of the gun and 
chase. Stags' heads and antlers likewise adorn the 
sides of the Staircase which leads to the Grand 
Hall ; a noteworthy object being the head of a 
magnificent specimen of the Irish Elk, whose 
antlers measure 10 feet from point to point. A 
large painting of the Bataille de Par me, 1734, de- 
scriptive of the army then engaged, and commanded 
by Marshal the Due de Coigny, will attract atten- 
tion. After ascending two flights of steps, the Grand 
Hall, measuring 65 by 31 feet, by 48 feet high, is 
reached. The floor is of oak, grown in the adjoining 
forest, and skilfully laid in an appropriate pattern, 
with a parqueterie border. The hammer beam roof 
is also imposing. 

The w r alls are of Steetley stone, and the dado 
which is six feet high, is of light and dark oak. 
An immense Chimney Piece of elaborate design 
stands out prominently as an interesting feature in 
this spacious hall. It is of Steetley stone, with 
columns of granite, and is surmounted by a colossal 
representation in carved stone of the family arms. 
An airy look of newness pervades the hall, which 
has deserved the admiration of the tourists — 
numerous as the visitors' book will testify — who have 
had the pleasure of entering it. The most striking 
feature, perhaps, in this magnificent apartment 
consists of the admirably-arranged collection of suits 
of armour, ancient weapons, including some genu- 
ine old Scotch claymores, a number of swords 
taken from the French at Strasbourg, and burnished 
bayonets, all appropriately disposed upon the walls, 
and reminding one of the strife and din of battle. 

On the east end wall are two very fine speci- 
mens of Stags' heads. These were taken from two 
huge animals which were discovered near the lake 
engaged in a most furious and sanguinary combat, 
and whose antlers having become entangled and 



THORESBY. 57 

fixed, were eventually both drowned in the lake. 

Two fine marble busts, chastely and delicately 
chiselled, of two of the Countess Manvers' ancestors, 
Francois de Franquetot and Henri de Franquetot, 
Dues de Coigny — the latter Gouvemeur des Invalides, 
Paris, in 1821 — will attract attention. Some green 
marble figures from Italy are likewise worthy of 
notice. The fortunate Visitor would fain linger 
longer in this truly unique hall with its pictures, 
beautiful old carved Indian and Old English 
furniture, and its numerous and costly cabinets and 
curiosities. 

These embellishments, as also the whole of the 
furniture and fittings, are in strict harmony with the 
Norman character of the hall. Its proportions are 
altogether of a most noble and imposing description. 
The apartment contains several family portraits of 
illustrious ancestors, notably, Francois de Franquetot, 
Marechal de Coigny, and Lady Mary Wortley Montagu. 
On the north side, is a fine stained glass window, 
of three lights, bearing respectively the arms and 
monograms of the families of Manvers, King- 
ston and De Coigny. At the extremity of the hall is 
a grand staircase, the steps being of Roche Abbey 
stone, with an exquisite wrought-iron railing. 
On the landing is a grand painting of Charles I. 
on horseback, both figures being of life-size. This 
staircase leads to a handsome gallery, upon which 
open the upper apartments of the house. 

The Dining Room is 40 ft. by 26 ft., and 20 ft. 
high. It is admirably lighted by a bay window 
looking east, and another south. The handsome 
walnut pannelling, and the geometric figures with 
which the ceiling is decorated, add richness and 
variety to the appearance of the saloon. The 
upper part is surrounded by a deep and beautiful 
frieze. There is a capacious sideboard from the 
Due de Coigny's, in addition to two other side- 
boards, all very massive, richly carved, and of 
exquisite workmanship. Contained in this room 
are some good examples of the works of modern 



58 THORESBY. 



painters, including portraits of Earl Manvers as 
Colonel of the South Notts. Yeomanry, of the 
Countess, in a white satin dress, and of Evelyn, 
first Duke of Kingston, and his Duchess ; also 
pictures by Creswick and Ansdel, Vicat Cole and 
Melbey. 

Passing through the Small Drawing Room, the 
deep red satin damask hangings cannot fail to draw- 
forth admiration. The panels of the doors are of 
polished bird's-eye maple, and the artistic treatment 
of the ceiling and frieze is of the most delicate 
character. A recently-painted portrait of Viscount 
Newark, m.p., — an excellent likeness — hangs in this 
room, as well as paintings of Viscountess Newark, 
and of Lady Beauchamp. 

The stately appointments of the Library, and 
the quietude which pervades its precincts, proclaim 
that here are kept, for the perusal of the studious 
members of the family, the choicest works of litera- 
ture, most handsomely bound. It is a room 44 ft. 
by 25 ft., with panelling of oak. The first object of 
striking import is the magnificent chimney piece, 
which is certainly of a most beautiful and chaste 
description. It consists of an elaborately-carved 
representation, in Birkland oak, of a scene in Sher- 
wood Forest, in which are introduced the venerable 
" Major" oak, with his knotted and gnarled 
branches, a foreground of botanical specimens, and 
a herd of deer — all chiselled with much simili- 
tude to Nature. This monument of patience and 
abilit}^ was cut by Mr. Robinson, of Newcastle ; the 
wood being from an oak which once flourished in 
the forest in which the leading feature in the 
subject forms so proud an ornament. Statuettes of 
Robin Hood and Little John support each side 
of the piece, which is nearly 15 feet high, 
and 10 feet wide. A parqueterie border 2 feet wide 
is around the floor, upon which are Indian carpets. 
Like many other of the rooms in the mansion, the 
ceiling is adorned with an attractive design and 
frieze. Extensive and pleasing views of the terraces, 



THORESBY. 59 

lake, and distant landscape are obtained from a 
large octagonal window which this room possesses. 

The grand Drawing Room is next worthy of de- 
scription. It is an apartment of noble proportions, 
being 53 ft. by 25 ft., and decorated with all the 
taste and skill which wealth, culture and ability 
can command. The covering of the walls is blue 
satin damask with floral figurings of silver grey, 
tapestry hangings, and a white and gold frieze. 
From the richly-coffered ceiling of pink, blue and 
gold, scintillations of light sparkle and glitter on 
the crystal pendants of the magnificent chandeliers, 
causing a very brilliant and dazzling effedt. Most 
of the furniture of the room is richly carved 
and gilded, and is covered with what forms perhaps 
the chief feature in this unique apartment — old 
tapestry of surpassing beauty and intrinsic worth. 
Other portions of the furniture are upholstered to 
match their surroundings ; the covers being beauti- 
fully embroidered in silk, whilst silk and velvet 
drape some of the gilded ornaments. The mantle- 
pieces in this saloon are of snow-white statuary 
marble, having as ornaments designs representing 
the four seasons. Besides some exquisite specimens 
of blue Sevres china, there is a handsome vase, 
mounted on a pedestal, which the Empress Eugenie, 
when in the zenith of her power and popularity, 
presented to the Countess Man vers, in 1854, a 
superb old Dresden china clock mounted on a 
small buhl cabinet, and a large and handsome 
buhl cabinet on massive gilt stand. On every 
hand rare and costly embellishments add splendour 
to this handsome apartment. At the west-end are 
two fine water-colour drawings, depicting respectively 
Scotch cattle in the park, and a hunting scene in 
Sherwood Forest, by Frederick Taylor. Russian 
maple, satin wood, walnut wood and oak have been 
used in the solid fittings of the room. 

These superb adornments, together with some 
excellent portrait paintings, the exceedingly choice 
Indian carpets, and everything in strict mutual 



6o THORESBY. 

harmony, tend to form as charming a resort as can 
well be found in an}^ of our " stately English homes." 

The walls of the corridors which lead to the 
upper rooms, are ornamented with some exceed- 
ingly choice old Spanish tapestry. Some handsome 
and valuable carved antique book-cases and other 
objects of interest are likewise to be seen here. 

The Countess' Boudoir is, as might well be 
expected, the daintiest room in the house. The 
pannelling of the walls consists of Aubusson tapestry, 
and the mantle-piece, which appears to be a relic 
of some Italian palace, is of white marble. Figures 
of Cupid are prominent features amongst the orna- 
ments. The room is further enriched by some fine 
specimens of old blue Sevres china, and a choice 
inlaid-wood and carved cabinet, with portrait of a 
lady in Sevres china on its front. The furniture 
is covered with silk and tapestry, worked in the 
most delicate manner. Indeed, the room wears 
an air of elegance and refinement which could only 
be imparted to it by such a lady as the Countess 
Manvers, who, when not on some errand of 
sympathetic charity, spends much of her time in 
this charming boudoir. 

The fine Billiard Room, with table of pollard 
oak, the Garden Entrance, and other rooms are all 
on a similar scale of magnificence. 

In the Mansion there are about sixty bedrooms, 
to many of which dressing rooms are attached. 

Some delightful landscape views are obtained 
from many of the windows. The sunbeams glimmer 
on the silvery lake, which covers sixty-five acres, 
and the charming terraces and pleasure grounds 
most tastefully laid out with winding walks, orna- 
mental flower beds, etc., are of great beauty, 
whilst across the broad expanse of park and 
forest, a frightened herd of antlered stags, timid 
hinds and little graceful fawns may often be seen 
fleeting its way. Dotted about at intervals are 
clusters of trees clothed in the most luxuriant 
foliage, whilst the magnificent woods in the horizon 



62 THORESBY. 



from a background which completes a picture of 
surpassing loveliness. 

To the east are situated the gardens, which 
extend over 8f acres, and include numerous green- 
houses and forcing beds. 

The Stabling is a model of what a well- 
arranged establishment of this kind should be, — 
everything in keeping with that order which is such 
a striking feature on the whole estate. 

A large range of workshops, fitted with the 
most improved machinery, and employing a staff of 
skilled artizans, is situate about half a mile from 
the house. These furnish almost all that is re- 
quired in woodwork on the Thoresby estate. Gas 
is likewise manufactured on the premises, and every 
practical modern invention has been taken advantage 
of to make the residence worthy of its exemplary 
owner. 

On leaving Thoresby, we cross the river Meden 
by a pretty bridge w T hich will attract the attention 
of the Visitor owing to its being completely em- 
bosomed in most luxuriant foliage. Indeed, such 
sylvan profusion is rarely to be met with. 




BUDBY. 




EHILE at Thoresby, the Tourist is strongly 
advised to pay a visit to the charming little 
^g»gHK^t village of Budby, about a mile and a half 
distant. Here, in this half-hidden locality, will be found 
a thriving contented village, the cottages of which are 
designed as a copy of Swiss architecture, and suggest 
the ideal of village comfort and beauty. Horti- 
culture and agriculture flourish in this rural spot. 
The neat and pretty gardens surrounding the 
cottages are models of their kind, and are celebrated 
for the luxuriance and profusion of their floral 
displays. To be secluded from the " madding 

crowd n the meditative stranger could find no gentler 
resort in which to admire the beauties of Nature. 
Amid a paradise of pastoral loveliness, the rippling 
gurgling little river Meden wends its way, imparting 
an additional charm to the forest glades. To the 
north of Budby is a vast prairie, whose delicate 
tints of gold-hued gorse, purple heather and vernal 
green glow in the summer sunlight. 

The lover of Nature's charms may well forget 
the gaudy tinsel of the town, while he walks as 
in a trance, surrounded by a scene of primeval 
glory. There is much however to see by taking 
a southerly direction, and as 

11 1 know each lane and every alley green, 
Dingle or bushy dell of this wild wood, 
And every bosky bower from side to side," 

the pleasure-seeker shall be guided to the most 
popular places in " Merrie Sherwood." 



BIRKLAND AND BILHAGH. 




LEASING and beautiful as 
are the various features of 
those portions of the 
famous forest already de- 
scribed, none will afford so 
much ^pleasure to the 
majority of visitors as will 
that with which we have 
now to deal. 

After passing through 
the "Buck Gates," the 
Visitor enters that portion 
of Sherwood Forest known 
gp as Birkland and Bilhagh. The 
district bearing these names is 
full of interest to the historical 
student, as well as to him who 
fond of contemplating the 
loveliness of country life. Birk- 
land, with the adjoining woods of Bilhagh, was 
granted by the Crown to the Duke of Portland in 
exchange for the perpetual advowson of St. Mary- 
le-bone. The former still belongs to his Grace of 
Portland, but Bilhagh, lying nearer the Thoresby 
estate, was exchanged to Earl Manvers for estates 
at Holbeck and Bonbusk, in the vicinity of Welbeck 
Abbey. Though but little of the old forest of 

Sherwood now remains in anything like its original 
magnficence, there is yet extant in Birkland and 



BIRKLAND AND BILHAGH. 6 5 

Bilhagh a grand old fragment, standing as a 
monument of what Sherwood once was, and con- 
stituting probably the finest specimen of ancient 
forest to be found in the kingdom. 

In a direct line with Bilhagh lies Birkland, so 
called from the large number of birch trees that 
are intermingled with the oaks. 

The district which bears these names contain- 
ed 49,909 oaks in 1609, but the woodman's axe 
and Time's scythe had felled 27,000 of these before 
1790. 

Birkland and Bilhagh together form a tract of 
forest which is probably but little altered in 
general aspect since Robin Hood and his merrie 
men roamed through its sylvan solitudes, hunting 
the king's deer, and making the . pockets of 
wandering bishops, abbots and monks lighter and 
easier of carriage — as tradition saith to relieve the 
poor and succour the distressed ! 

Speaking of this pleasant region, William 
Howitt says : — There were also several woodwards 
for every township within the forest, and one for 
every principal wood. It had also five 'hays' or 
royal parks, each fenced in and furnished with 
its lodge, and having each a forester, going his 
rounds on horseback with a page, and two foresters 
on foot without a page. These ' hays' were Best- 
wood, Linbyhay, Welhay, Birkland-cum-Bilhay and 
Clypstone. They were specially preserved for the 

royal use Bilhaghe is a 

forest of oaks, and is clothed with the most im- 
pressive aspect of age that can perhaps be presented 
to the eye in these kingdoms. Stonehenge does 
not give you a feeling of greater ' eld', because it 
is not composed of material so easily acted on by 
the elements." 



" A thousand years, ten thousand tempests, 
lightnings, winds, and wintry violence, have all 
flung their utmost force on these trees, and there 
they stand, trunk after trunk, scathed, hollow, grey, 



66 



BIRKLAND AND BILHAGH. 




~riL*^h£!*'i±J±4L- -> - ^liBicii-'Jiiii ^lii<i 






■i^^^^i^l 






A Forest Road. 
(From Photo, by G. W, 
Wilson &> Co.) 



rf^v. ~'^ *^s£„ *►• 



is grey and old. 



gnarled ; stretch- 
ing out their bare 
sturdy arms, or 
? J V - - ; their mingled foli- 
'-Lf?~' _ ___..v age and ruin — a 
life in death. All 
The ground is grey beneath, 
the trees are grey with clinging lichens, the very 
heather and ferns that spring beneath them have a 
character of the past. If you turn aside and step 
amongst them, your feet sink in a depth of moss 
and dry vegetation that is the growth of ages, or 
rather that ages have not been able to destroy. You 
stand and look round, and in the height of 
summer, all is silent ; it is like the fragment of a 
world worn out and forsaken. These were the 



BIRKLAND AND BILHAGH. 67 

trees under which King John pursued the red deer 
600 years ago. These were the oaks beneath 
which Robin Hood led up his bold band of out- 
laws. These are the oaks which have stood while 
king after king reigned ; while the Edwards and 
Henrys subdued Ireland, and ravaged Scotland and 
France ; while all Europe was seeking to rescue 
Jerusalem from the Saracens ; while the wars of 
York and Lancaster deluged the soil of all this 
kingdom with blood ; while Henry VIII. overthrew 
popery, wives, ministers, and martyrs with one 
strong, ruthless hand ; while Elizabeth, with an 
equal hand, of unshrinking might and decision, 
made all Europe tremble at a woman's name, and 
stand astonished at a woman's jealously, when she 
butchered her cousin, the Queen of Scots. Here 
they stood, while the monarchy of England fell to 
the ground before Cromwell and the Covenanters ; 
while Charles II., restored to his realm, but not 
to wisdom, revealed ; while under a new dynasty 
the fortunes of England have been urging through 
good and evil their course to a splendour and 
dominion strangely mingled with suffering and dis- 
quiet, yet giving prospect of a Christian glory 
beyond all precedent and conception." 

" There is no end to the variety of their aspect 
and grouping. From the sylvan loveliness around 
you, you might fancy yourself in the outer wilder- 
ness of some Armida's garden. In spring, these 
woods are all alive with the cawing of jackdaws, 
which build in thousands in the hollow oaks ; and 
as their bustle ceases as the evening falls, the 
nightingales are heard, and the owl and dor-hawk 
come soaring through the dusky air." 

The indefatigable Major Rooke, a resident 
in the locality, published descriptions of some re- 
markable trees growing in the hays of Birkland 
and Bilhagh, and which when felled were found to 
have cut or stamped on their bodies letters marking 
the king's reign. One had the letters "J. R." 
(Jacobus Rex); another " W. M." (William and 



68 BIRKLAND AND BILHAGH. 

Mary) and a crown; and a third the letters "Jn." 
(John) with a crown. The first were equidistant, 
a foot from the surface and centre of the tree. 
The second, 3 feet 3 inches from the centre, and 
9 inches from the bark ; and the remaining one 18 
inches from the surface, and more than 1 foot 
from the centre. The letters were, it is thought, 
carved on the wood, bare of bark, and the follow- 
ing and successive years' growths of wood over- 
lapped, without adhering, and so preserved them. 
Their positions, so far from the surface, proved 
their genuineness, and their respective depths are 
believed to correspond with the different reigns in 
which they would seem to have been cut. The 
last one must have been planted 100 years, at 
the least, before John's reign ; making it 706 
years old when felled in 1791. 

The botanist is enabled to read off the age of 
a tree with considerable accuracy. In passing the 
section of a trunk which has been cut down, let 
the reader observe a series of white rays round 
the central pith. By the scientist these are called 
medullary rays, and by the carpenter silver grain. 
A series of ring-like forms, concentric one within 
the other, will also be observed in the section, 
which proves that the trunk was generated by 
continued depositions of woody matter, round a 
central line. The thickness corresponding with one 
ring is indicative of one year's growth. The 
formation of an oak tree is therefore seen to be 
the deposition of external layers of woody fibre. 

Some of these ancient oaks, split and hollow, 
blasted and lightning-smitten, yet put out their foliage 
in the most luxuriant profusion, whilst others, 
sorely stricken by age and decay, appear as though 
striving to keep even a semblance of their giant 
forms in their prostrate condition. Here may be 
seen one which, having braved the buffeting of a 
thousand storms, has its massive bark still vigorous 
and covering not only its exterior, but growing 
upwards, and extending over the inner part of the 



BIRKLAND AND BILHAGH. 69 

crust of the tree, so as to double the means of 
arresting decay and invigorating life — one of the 
many illustrations of the universal struggle in 
Nature with the forces of death. There, another 
old oak, with little left but the outer crust, but 
having in its hollow a vigorous stem, which, in- 
stead of growing up and spreading out like the 
other branches of the tree has bent down from its 
upper part and taken root inside the trunk, and 
is thus actually supporting, like a dutiful son, his 
aged sire. Others in the prime of life may be 
seen with stout stems, and shoots of holly rising 
out of the trunk from the centre of their many 
branches, and spreading themselves among them, 
so as in the winter to flaunt their green leaves 
amid the nakedness of the mighty oak — a Regent, 
sufficiently demonstrative, but puny and unimposing. 

Turning into the deep shadow of the forest, 
the Visitor finds himself at once in a realm un- 
known to ordinary experience, and which has been 
described so ably, and in so pleasing a style by 
January Searle : " Few persons unaccustomed to 
observe Nature in her ancient hiding-places, would 
credit the singular transformations which the oaks 
of Bilhagh have, in many instances, undergone. 
It would be quite possible to make a new heraldry 
from the strange emblematic devices which have 
been carved upon them by the invisible fingers of 
the elements. Dragons, crocodiles' heads, serpents, 
glaring basilisks, kraken, and monstres of an unknown 
birth, surmount the capitols of the old trees, or 
grin under their barkless ribs. You are literally 
shut out, in this part of the Forest, from all 
signs of civilization, and seem to stand in a 
'strange solemn,' and old universe.' Over you 
hang the azure vaults of immensity ; and under 
your feet how many worlds lie buried ! " 

"The decayed ferns in some places form a soil 
which is yards in depth, and the surface is covered 
with mosses in beautiful variety, and studded with 
bluebells, violets, foxgloves, and other sweet wild 



7 o BIRKLAND AND BILHAGH. 

flowers, in their appointed seasons. In the spring, 
whilst the ferns lie dead and yellow around you, 
and the oaks are blanched and leafless, the solitude 
is broken by rooks and jackdaws building their 
nests in the hollow bowls of the trees, and waving 
their dusky pennons to the music of their own 
cawing ; or if some tiny bird flits through the 
colossal ruins of the forest, it is only to utter 
mournful themes or sad melancholy pipings. The 
rooks and daws are the only winged creatures (save 
the night owls) which have any claim to habitancy 
in this old primeval temple. But as the warm 
days come on, and May returns to earth, like a 
bride laden with flowers, there is a universal joy- 
ousness in the old Forest ; the mighty oaks, with 
centuries in their blood, seem to leap up into life, 
and clap their ancient hands with a great shout of 
deliverance and praise. The gorse, dropping with 
gold and delicious odours, flourishes under the 
wide foliage of the trees ; the fiery adders come 
from their w T inter holes and sun themselves in the 
glades, and the whole forest resounds with the 
melody of birds. At night, when the shadows cast 
by the moon enhance the solemnity of the scene, 
and fill it with ghostly witcheries and wonderful 
enchantments, you may hear the love-lorn song of 
the nightingale, rushing through the starry air 
from the far-off dells of Birkland, and dying away 
in sweet cadence as it is borne along from 
echo to echo. The hares and rabbits then come 
out of the dingles and thick entangled underwood, 
to crop the dewy herbage, and gambol in the 
silence and security of the hour ; and as you walk 
along, the startled pheasant rushes to the tree tops 
with heavy wing and shrill cries." 

" The reader must not suppose that this is any 
ordinary region ; or that he can see the like of it 
in Epping, or in any of the other ancient forests. 
I have been in the back woods of the American 
continent, and have seen man}' noble i green-robed 
senators' of the forest in England, but I never 



BIRKLAND AND B1LHAGH. 71 

knew what a tree was until I beheld the giants of 
Sherwood." 

After breathing the balmy zephyr and listening 
to the rapturous song of the birds of the air, re- 
velling in the wild enjoyment of their unrestrained 
freedom, let us make the best of our way to the 
" Queen" Oak, or as it is more popularly termed the 

"MAJOR" OAK. 

Here is the mighty monarch of the forest, — a 
really splendid specimen, of huge dimensions — stand- 
ing along in all his majestic grandeur, as though 
Mother earth had expended her virtue in rearing 
this mighty prodigy through the hoary years of 
centuries. There he stands at the intersection of 
the forest roads, throwing out his broad branches 
as in the acl: of protecting the Tourist from the 
burning rays of the sun. The trunk measures 32 
feet in circumference above the roots, 30 feet round 
the base at 5 feet high, while the diameter covered 
by the boughs is 240 feet. Notwithstanding its 
network of leafy branches the bole is quite hollow 
for a diameter of 7 feet, with a height of 15 feet. 
Probably this tree is one of the oldest and most 
perfect in the country, and cannot fail to draw 
forth the reverent admiration of strangers who 
respect its venerable antiquity and appreciate its 
noble proportions. The roots of this monster spread 
over a circumference of ninety feet, grasping the 
ground with a mighty grip, as though resolved 
to bear his fifty arms majestically and proudly till 
the crack of doom. 

Outrageous thunder, stormy winds and rain, 
Discharge their fury on his head in vain ; 
Earthquakes below, and lightning from above, 
Rend not his trunk, nor his fix'd root remove. 

Many have been the scenes of jollity and mirth 
within the shadow of the "Major" Oak. A dozen 
can enter the hollow trunk at once, and if it is a 
very gleeful party of youthful Tourists, the girls, 
on emerging from the cavern, have been known to 



KM 



72 B IRELAND AND B1LHAGH. 

be subjected to a kiss from the more ungovernable 
members of the company. The only foundation for 
exacting this tribute, so far as we can discover, is 
the old ballad which says — 

"There never came maid to the greenwood tree 
But paid the forester's bounty fee." 

The 'Major' w r as so unfortunate as to lose one 
of his giant arms during a recent storm, but the 
loss is scarcely discernible, so profuse is the foliage 
of his immense crown. Before journeying to other 
remarkable trees which w T e shall notice in the 
order of our travels, let us take a look at the 
eminently-pretty Saxon village of 

EDWINSTOWE, 

distant but a few minutes' walk. 

This delightful village, according to tradition, 
is the resting place of the remains of Edwin, King 
of Northumbria, who was killed about the year 
633. There is a fine old Norman church in the 
village, w r ith an elegant and lofty spire rising up 
heavenwards over the graves of the old foresters. 
The position of the tomb of the slain king is said 
to be occupied by the Parish Church. Without 
doubt, the village existed in the days of the 
Heptarchy, as its name is unmistakably Saxon. 

The cottages in this little rural spot present a 
praiseworthy appearance — neat and comfortable, with 
pretty flower gardens, and ornamental plants in 
striking luxuriance. Both here and at Ollerton 
there is excellent accommodation for Visitors, both 
as regards hotels and private apartments, and good 
stabling is likewise to be had. 

Within a short distance of Edwinstowe, in a 
westerly direction, is the " Simon Forester" Oak, 
another gigantic specimen of forest growth. About 
a mile-and-a-half further, in the same direction, 
stands the " Butchers' Shambles" Oak, or " Robin 
Hood's Larder" wherein, according to local tradi- 



BIRKLAND AND BILHAGH. 73 

tion, Robin Hood hung his prime joints of venison, 
and which still bears the requisite hooks. Without 
desiring to deprive these sylvan monarchs of their 
legitimate legendary lore, this popular belief has 
probably emanated from the fact of its having 
been used as a place of concealment for stolen 
mutton slaughtered in the forest by a notorious 
sheep stealer, who lived hard by. The Visitor 
now takes a ride of about five miles over 
velvety turf, and amidst the most luxuriant of 
forest scenery it is possible to desire. He is on 
his way to Welbeck, and may completely resign 
himself to the enjoyment which the ever-changing 
landscape of sylvan beauty affords. 

Passing a picturesque Russian log cottage, 
which is used by the noble owner as a shooting 
box in the season, we hurry along the grass} 7 
avenues, with now and then a graceful bend opening 
a long perspective arched with the boughs of the 
forest giants, lined with the bright hues of a 
thousand of Nature's choicest rareties, and fringed 
with a sea of waving bracken, ferns, and forest 
undergrowth. The Visitor may well be excused 
if he have a desire to linger longer, or mani- 
fest no unseemly haste to depart, as at frequent 
intervals he shows a disposition to disagree with the 
worthy coachman — whose views are sometimes fash- 
ioned in accordance with the demands of this age of 
short cuts to knowledge, and, indeed, a hasty scramble 
through everything, and in which perfunctory manner 
it has become customary to take our recreation — 
for Nature is here in her most attractive garb, 
and all surrounding tends to fascinate and make 
one feel contented here to stay. 

Here the graceful birches, whose golden tresses 
and silvery stems shimmer in the sunlight, are 
mingled in the happiest confusion with sturdy and 
rugged oaks, presenting a striking and charming 
contrast of form and foliage. The bluebell and 
the foxglove, and a host of wild flowers, are 
scattered about amongst an ocean of verdure, whilst 



74 BIRKLAND AND BILHAGH. 

Flora's gems now and again grace the pathway. 
But we must hie away, for more woodland glories 
await us to admire as we pass over the broad sweep 
of elastic greensward, along Sherwood's emerald 
glades, continually admiring the charming vistas 
which here and there open out to view. Anon we 
breathe the sweet perfume of the honeysuckle as 
it twines its creeping stem round the contorted 
trunk of some stalwart hawthorn, or perhaps the 
subtle fragrance of the wild briar crosses our path. 

Pursuing our way along these sylvan solitudes, we 
shall shortly arrive at Gleadthorpe Lodge, and after 
crossing the road, we proceed again along green 
glades environed with woodlands of intense luxuri- 
ance. Here the ground rises gently, until, sud- 
denly emerging into the open, and being situated 
on a considerable eminence, we have presented to 
us a glorious panorama. Immediately in front is a 
comprehensive view of Welbeck Park, with the 
lakes in the foreground, and on whose surface the 
glittering rays of the summer sun are reflected. 
Thousands of deer, cattle and sheep are seen across 
the broad expanse of park feeding on the rich herb- 
age, or seeking shelter under the numerous groups of 
umbrageous oaks. To the left are the hills of 
Derbyshire, whilst to the right the majestic woods 
of old Sherwood complete a picture of indescribable 
beauty. 

As many Tourists find it advantageous whilst 
at Edwinstowe to visit Rufford Abbey and other 
places of interest within easy distance, we deem 
it desirable to deal with these before proceed- 
ing to notice the wonders of Welbeck. 

OLLERTON, 

On the river Maun, is a small market town about 
a mile-and-a-half from Edwinstowe. The Mark- 
hams, an ancient Nottinghamshire family formerly 
resided here. There is a chapel-of-ease ; and a 



BIRKLAND AND BILHAGH. 75 

headstone in the chapel-yard to Francis Thompson, 
1739, bearing a quaint inscription, is worthy of 
notice. 

Cockglode, the residence of Cecil George Savile 
Foljambe, Esq., is situated about half-a-mile from 
the village. 






RUFFORD ABBEY. 



|WO miles south-west of Ollerton lies Rufford 
Abbey, the former residence of the late Mr. 
Augustus William Savile, who died at Cannes, 
and was buried in the family vault at Bilsthorpe 
on the 22nd of April, 1887. Of the memory of Mr. 
Savile, a writer in the Constitutional Magazine said, 
"the good old County of Nottingham has every 
reason to be proud. In the company of princes, 
as the introducer of ambassadors, he was pro- 
nounced the very glass of fashion, and the most 
polished courtier in Europe. The London world 
submitted to his sway, and for nearly half a century 
no great social function was complete without his 
presence. He went from Christchurch to the 2nd 
Life Guards, and he was the chosen councillor of 
every great hostess in Belgravia and Mayfair." 

The Villa Edelweiss, at Cannes, was a beautiful 
continental residence belonging to Mr. Savile. 
During Her Majesty's visit to Cannes, she occupied 
this charming villa, which was placed at her dis- 
posal by the deceased, who removed to Mezzomonte. 
During the autumn of 1886, the Prince of Wales 
was entertained at Rufford in magnificent fashion, 
and the occasion will long be remembered by 
residents in the locality for the festivities which 
then took place. At the funeral of the late 
accomplished gentleman and courtier, the Queen and 



RUFFORD ABBEY. 77 

the Prince and Princess of Wales each forwarded 
a handsome wreath. 

Numerous authorities tell us that there was 
once a monastery at Rufford, but the cowled monk 
with sandalled foot has long since passed away, 
and instead of the grey old Abbey, with its lofty 
towers and Gothic beauty, we have a comfortable 
and capacious baronial residence. The ancient 
plan of the conventual buildings has almost been 
obliterated by the alterations of successive owners, 
but during the restoration by one of the Earls of 
Scarborough, an ancient crypt was discovered be- 
neath the hall, and the unmistakable style of its 
architecture proclaimed at once that the present 
building occupies the veritable site of the once 
famous Rufford Abbey. We are still well within 
the ancient boundaries of the far-stretching forest. 
Nature still continues to employ her vast resources 
in producing sturdy oaks and stately beeches, — still 
adorns the landscape with the most delicate tints 
of foliage, — and the quietness of this rural haunt is 
only broken by the singing of the birds or the 
cry of alarm which takes its place when the advent 
of a stranger excites their fears. " This place hath 
often entertained King James and King Charles his 
son" says the quaint Dr. Thoroton ; and it is easy 
to understand how the sporting tastes of the 
monarchs would soon discern the admirable qualities 
of Rufford wherewith to indulge their proclivities. 

Amongst other royal personages it may be 
mentioned that George IV., as Prince of Wales, 
slept there in a tapestry bedroom, which is still 
called after him. 

The Lumley family, into whose hands Rufford 
Abbey passed, was one of the few Saxon families 
which were not completely swept from the scroll of 
fame by the Norman invasion. An ancestor of 
theirs was named Adam de Lumley, and in con- 
nection with this name a humorously dry anecdote 
is told of our Scotch king James I. One of the 
Lumleys entertained him. at Lumley Castle, 



78 RUFFORD ABBEY. 

Durham, and was explaining the family genealogy, 
" And the head of this branch was Adam de Lumley," 
said the proud descendant. " Haud, haud mon," 
said the King in his broadest accent, " In gude 
faith it may be a' verra true, but I didna ken 
before that Adam's name was Lumley." By the 
survival of members of this ancient family we see 
how strong must have been their affection for their 
Mother country to have lived through the rigorous 
period of the Norman conquest, the bloody wars 
of the Roses, and the civil strife which overturned 
Monarchy and uprooted families in the revolution 
of 1649. 

Ulf, the Saxon, held the Manor of Rugforde, 
but the Conqueror gave the lands to his nephew, 
Gilbert de Gaunt. His son married Matilda of 
Britanny, and their son married the Countess of 
Lincoln, and was himself advanced to the Earldom 
of Lincoln. The foundation of the Abbey com- 
menced with this Earl in 1148, and a society of 
Cistercian, or white monks, from the Yorkshire 
Abbey of Rivaulx was located here. The early 
Plantagenet kings granted several privileges to the 
monks, who were allowed to take whatever was 
necessary for them from the forest. If we accept Sir 
Walter Scott's word for the manner in which these 
rural saints interpreted their privileges, we may take 
it for granted that venison and feathered game 
often graced the festive board. Like the other 
religious houses in the land, Henry VIII. placed 
his royal hand upon the monastic colony, and 
since that time the renown of Rufford as an 
ecclesiastical establishment has been on the wane. 
At its dissolution, according to Dugdale's Monasticon, 
there were 15 canons inhabiting it, with an annual 
revenue from lands in the surrounding villages 
of ^"176 12s. 6d. Henry settled the lands of 
Thomas Doncaster, the last abbot, upon George, 
Earl of Shrewsbury and Waterford. It was there- 
fore the occasional residence of the celebrated 
Countess of Hardwick, who here effected one of 



RUFFORD ABBEY. 79 

those matches between two high contracting parties, 
which have made their names so famous in fashionable 
history. Sir George Savile married a granddaughter 
of the Earl of Shrewsbury, and their descendant 
assisting in the restoration of Charles II., was re- 
warded with the title of Marquis of Halifax. 
In 1700 the Marquisate became extinct, and the 
last Sir George Savile gave RufTord to the son of 
his sister, the Countess of Scarborough. Respecting 
the intention of the donor, a lawsuit took place 
as to the alleged limitation that the estate should 
be left to a younger branch. 

The eighth Earl of Scarborough and Baron 
Lumley, who possessed RufTord, died in 1856, upon 
which he was succeeded by Mr. Henry Savile. He 
died in 1881, and was succeeded by his brother, 
Mr. Augustus William Savile, upon whose death, 
in 1887, Sir John Lumley Savile came into the estates. 

On the western side, the Abbey is approached 
by an avenue of tall limes, and in the beautifully- 
wooded grounds there is a broad lake, flanked by 
plantations. A grand gateway w T hich adorns the 
entrance, was placed there by the eighth Earl of 
Scarborough, who also restored the Brick Hall, in 
which is an open roof and carved oak screen inscribed 
with the words " Murus aeneus conscientia sana" — the 
family motto — " a sound conscience is a wall of 
brass." This hall takes its name from the polished 
red brick of the floor. The furniture and surround- 
ings of the apartment present a strange admixture 
of the ancient and modern. Rich carvings and 
Elizabethan tracery are suggestive of the revival of 
English Art, while numerous other articles de luxe 
unmistakably point to the refinement of the nine- 
teenth century. The mantlepiece is of Caen stone, 
upon which are the family arms. The Earl effected 
many other improvements, completely transforming 
RufTord from its ancient character. 

In the Servants' Hall there are marks that 
lead to the supposition that it was formerly the 
refectory of the Abbey, but the appointments of the 



8o RUFFORD ABBEY. 

whole of the interior of the house have been very 
much changed at various periods. 

The Long Gallery, measuring 114 ft. by 36 ft., 
is the principal apartment, and has frequently been 
used for private theatricals. In it there is a 
handsome carved chimney-piece, and several fine 
pictures. Here is a portrait of Lady Gertrude 
Pierrepont, wife of the first Marquis of Halifax, 
whose features have also been transferred to canvas, 
and are represented on the walls. Some artist, 
whose fancy has led him to dream of what the old 
Abbey was in its palmy days, has tried to paint it 
as it was, and this production hangs here. 

The Drawing Room is a luxurious saloon, 
furnished with the rarest taste that the education 
of modern times can cultivate. The walls are 
adorned with panels of pale crimson satin, and 
ornamented with floral designs in silver. The choicest 
woods have been used in the manufacture of the 
furniture, and the splendid and costly cabinets 
which are placed here and there about the room 
give an indication of the taste of the owner. The 
Library is a capacious hall, in which is stored a 
valuable collection of books ; the modern novel 
having no smalJ space allotted to its accommoda- 
tion. What w r as once the Billiard Room, is now 
called the study. Its proportions are fine, and it 
contains numerous family portraits on the walls. 
Under that of Lady Savile, daughter of Lord 
Coventry, keeper of the Great Seal in Charles I. 
reign, are the words " Her spirit was equalled only 
by her piety and goodness *of heart." It need 
hardly be said that this lady was a faithful 
adherent to the Royal cause. 

The upper rooms are, perhaps, as pleasing to 
inspect as any portion of the house. Many of the 
bed chambers are hung with sumptuous tapestry, 
upon which are worked scenes in Biblical history. 
The state bedroom which was once the resting place 
of George IV., is hung with yellow silk, and contains 
one or two excellent oil paintings. In every part of the 



RUFFORD ABBEY. 



house pictures are hung, but the greatest prize among 
them is "The Boar Hunt," % by Snyders, adorning 
the grand staircase. From the windows of the 
numerous rooms charming vistas of woodland 
scenery open out before the admiring spectator ; 
and the quietude of the situation imparts an in- 
expressible feeling of awe and admiration, as the 
thought of the once noble Abbey gives place to 
that of the splendours of modern RufTord. When 
George IV. was at RufTord, Dibdin, senior, the 
famous ballad writer, was master of the ceremonies, 
and the felling of one of the stately trees of the 
forest suggested to him the melody of the "Wood- 
man's Stroke." 





THE PALATIAL RUINS OF CLIPSTONE. 



ESglSTANT about 2 miles from Edwinstowe is the 




quiet little village of Clipstone, where is situ- 
^ ated the celebrated farm on the estate of the 
Duke of Portland. Here will be found the ruins of 
what is called King John's Palace. Without doubt, it 
was a favourite hunting resort of King John, who dated 
several of his charters from that place. No wonder 
that what might once have been a noble mansion, 
furnished in sumptuous style, fit for the reception 
of a king, should have crumbled to decay, for in all 
probability it was built by one of the kings of 
Northumbria, about the sixth century. Its Saxon 
origin is still denoted by some stones, moss-grown 
and weather-beaten, bearing the name of the chapel 
of St. Edwin — all that remain of the erstwhile sacred 
pile. 

Tradition says that it was near Clipstone that 
Richard Coeur de Lion, becoming accidentally 
separated from his followers, was surrounded by 
Robin Hood and his famous band of outlaws. 
Questioned by the stout-hearted stalwart monarch, 
Robin, attired in his usual suit of Lincoln green, 
revealed his incognito to the king, telling him that 
he and his bold companions were there to do 
homage to his majesty. This pleased the king so 
much that he invited him to Westminster, whither 
it is said the daring outlaw went. But of such 
old-world tales where can the lover of half-romance, 



CLIPSTONE PALACE. 83 

half- fact, be better entertained than in the matchless 
"Ivanhoe" of Sir Walter Scott. 

The Manor of Clipstone seems to have been 
at different periods in the possession of the Earls 
of Richmond, Pembroke, Surrey and Warwick. 
James I. granted it to Gilbert of Worksop, Earl 
of Shrewsbury, when it remained in the family of 
Talbot till it passed, as will be seen in our 
11 Descent of the ' Dukeries '" to the Dukes of 
Newcastle and Portland ; the latter now owning 
it. Mr. Eddison, writing in 1884, says — " Until 
recently the extensive foundations and vaults of 
the palace remained, but the greater part have been 
dug up. It is now but a ghost of a palace. 
The only remnants are some rugged walls 
in which are a few Gothic windows, whose rich 
tracery has yielded, like the hand that carved it, 
to the action of time." The portion of the building 
now standing, is in an enclosure near the village, 
and is probably a part of the hall. 

" No more the sound of bugle horn 
Shall rouse the outlaw band ; 

And quarry, and hawk, and deer-hound good, 
And minstrel's gentle lay, — 
All these from old Sherwood's forest glades 
Long time have passed away ! " 

Where the pride and chivalry of kings once 
revelled in the fastness of the forest, and the soul- 
stirring notes of the hound and horn woke the 
echoes of the woodland ; where fashion and beauty 
greeted the lordly barons as they returned from the 
royal chase, and invited them to the festive boards, 
has now been transformed into one of the most 
peaceful and productive agricultural districts in 
England. At the cost of nearly ^"80,000, the vast 
irrigation works of the late Duke of Portland 
have recovered these fertile plains from a barren 
tract of gorse and heather, a rabbit warren and a 
dismal swamp. The Duke's water meadows, through 
which runs a gigantic flood dyke, are situated 



8 4 CLIPSTONE PALACE. 

at Clipstone. These have been under- drained at a cost 
of ^ioo per acre, and the waters of the river Maun are 
taken advantage of to convey sewage through drains 
and sluice dykes, so that thousands of acres can 
be watered at pleasure with the best results. Sir 
James Caird, the eminent agricultural authority, has 
described these water meadows as "the most 
gigantic improvement of their kind in England." 

Situated in the centre of a grassy drive, and 
not far removed from the ruins of the palace, is 
Clipstone Lodge. Its erection was commenced 

by the late Duke in 1842, and its Gothic design 
is after that of Worksop Priory Gate-house. It 
is locally known as the " Duke's Archway." 
There are residences on either side of the 
archway, above which is a capacious room, used 
as a school for the children of the neighbourhood. 
On the south side are three niches in Caen stone, 
in which are figures of Robin Hood, Little John, 
and their faithful Maid Marian. On the other side 
are representations of Richard Cceur de Lion, 
Friar Tuck, and iUan-a-Dale the Minstrel. 

"THE PARLIAMENT" OAK. 

About a mile to the north-west of Clipstone, is 
situated the famous "Parliament" Oak. And such 
a mile along the well-kept road, w T ith woodland 
views on every hand is rarely to be found. 

Before approaching this time-honoured monu- 
ment of the primeval character of the proudest of 
England's institutions, let us glance at the history 
of this famous tree. Tradition accounts for its 
name by stating that King John, in 12 12, was 
hunting in the forest, when the news was brought 
to him that the Welsh had again revolted. 
He hastily summoned a council of the barons 
who were with him, under the shade of this venerable 
oak, and there, resolved upon measures for the 
suppression of the rebellion. Another story is that 
Edward I., in 1290, held a parliament round this 
umbrageous oak, and it may be that this great law- 



CLIPSTONE PALACE. 85 

maker, under this very tree, fashioned some important 
legislation, which will live in England longer even 
than this ancient tree. It has been asserted by 
some that Edward's parliament was held at Clip- 
stone Palace, and not under the shade of the 
oak. Whether this be so or not, the vitality of 
oral tradition transmitted through the ages from 
generation to generation, makes the locality classic 
ground, for, in all probability, the history of England 
in the thirteenth century is bound up with that of 
this interesting tree. Its circumference is about 
27 ft., and though much of the trunk has decayed, 
one of its roots has shot up a green stripling, which, 
to some extent, supports the parent stem, and is 
likely to perpetuate the site of the " Parliament " 
Oak for centuries to come. 




WELBECK ABBEY AND PARK. 




SHE wonders of Welbeck Abbey, the seat of 
His Grace the Duke of Portland, may well 
have become famed both far and near ; and if 
this were the only baronial hall worth visiting amongst 
the beauties of Sherwood, the Tourist would be well 
repaid for the trouble and expense incurred in his 
journey to Worksop and the " Dukeries." 

Shortly after entering the park, the Visitor comes 
into a green dell, where stands 

THE "GREENDALE" OAK. 

In Throsby's edition of " Thoroton," 1797, the 
" Greendale" Oak is estimated to be 1500 years old. 
This venerable forest king — not inaptly termed the 
" Methuselah of trees," — though he has been seemingly 
in the last stage of decay for more than a hundred 
years, still braves the storms and tempests ; 

" Still high his bleached arm is cast, 
Still scorns to flinch and dares the blast," 

and whatever his age may be, it is beyond doubt 
that he was in existence ere the Abbey was eredted, 
or monks had commenced their brief sojourn in the 
locality. 

The famous tree w r as sorely wounded in 1724, 
by having an aperture cut through its bole 
sufficiently large to permit of a carriage and four 
being driven through. Though thus pierced to the very 
core, sufficient life is left in this ancient relic to 
support one solitary green branch, w T hich rises from 
its otherwise decapitated trunk. 



WELBECK. 87 



Major Rooke gives the following as the dimensions 
in 1779 : — Circumference of the tree above the arch, 
35 ft. 3 in. ; height of arch, 10 ft. 3m. ; width about 
middle, 6 ft. 3 in. ; height of top branch, 54 ft. The 
archway has considerably contracted since these 
dimensions were taken, and the tree has, for many 
years past, been carefully supported by props. 

Whilst dealing with the subject of this venerable 
oak, we will refer to other remarkable trees which 
this park contains. The " Seven Sisters" had at one 
time seven trunks issuing from one root, in a 
perpendicular direction. The " Porter" Oaks, so called 
from a gateway having been at one time between 
them, had dimensions as follows : — height, 98 ft. 
and 88 ft., with circumference of 38 ft. and 34 ft. 
respectively. The " Duke's Walking Stick," which 
once stood in the park, was a fine straight 
oak, having dimensions, as given by Major Rooke, 
as follows: — height, in ft. 6 in. ; solid contents, 
440 ft. ; weight, 11 tons. Though this tree has long 
ceased to live, its memory is perpetuated in the 
existence of the " Young Oak Walking Stick," of 
about 130 years' growth, and which stands near the 
Abbey. " Tennyson's Talking Oak" is the name 
given to a modern shoot. 

The history of Welbeck as a monastic establish- 
ment pales before that of the improvements and 
gigantic building operations of modern times. Previous 
to the arrival of William the Conqueror, it was in 
the hands of Sweyn the Saxon, and subsequently 
was held by Gamelbere as part of his manor of 
Cuckney. This, with most of the other manors of 
Nottinghamshire, was granted by the Norman con- 
queror to Roger de Busli, and was held by him 
or his under-tenants. Gamelbere, the old Saxon 
knight, as a special privilege was allowed to retain 
(according to Thoroton), two carucates of land at 
Cuckney, on condition that he shod the king's 
horse whenever he came to his Manor of Mansfield ; 
and also, " if any army should be in Wales, he 
was to do service according to the quantity of two 



88 WELBECK. 



carucates of land, and likewise for homage." 
Gamelbere died without issue, and Henry I- gave 
his portion to Joceus de Flemangh or Coste, who 
married a cousin of Earl Ferrers. They had a son 
Thomas de Cuckney, who established the Abbey of 
Welbeck, about the year 1140. It was dedicated 
to St. James, and was inhabited by a colony of 
Premonstratensian canons, from Leicestershire. They 
were habited in white cassock, cloak and cap, in 
contradistinction to the more sombre habiliments of 
black canons. This was a religious order newly - 
introduced into England, and Welbeck was at the 
head of 35 houses following the rules of this con- 
fraternity in 1515. It seems to have flourished as 
a retreat for holy brethren until the devastating 
enactment of Henry VIII., which scattered the 
abbots and their followers, and appropriated their 
domains to other purposes more congenial to that 
powerful monarch's tastes. 

About 1538-9, Henry granted the site of the 
Abbey to Richard Whalley ; its revenues at that 
time amounting to ^249 6s. 3d. The estate seems 
to have remained in the hands of his heirs until 
the latter half of the sixteenth century, when it 
passed to Edward Osborne, (a cloth-worker of 
London), Robert Booth and Randulph Catterall, and 
then, probably by purchase, into the hands of Sir 
Charles Cavendish, whose pedigree we give in our 
" Descent of the Dukeries," as also the manner in 
which the Abbey came to be a ducal residence. 

Very little of the monastic buildings now remain, 
and the only portions which are, without doubt, 
relics of them, are some spacious vaults and 
several inner walls, in which are inserted some 
sepulchral monuments. 

Mr. Edward Bradbury, in an excellent article 
in London Society says : — " Engaging as the majority 
of these places are, not only by reason of their 
architecture and associations, but by virtue of their 
scenic surroundings and old oak forests, in which 
Saxon hid and Norman hunted, none of them is so 



WELBECK. 89 



interesting, so curious, so attractive, so astonishing, 
so eccentric as Welbeck. By its vast size, and 
its startling surprise, it is calculated very considerably 
to enlarge what phrenologists call ' the bump of 
wonder' to the imminent danger of upsetting the 
balance of the cerebral symmetry. You approach 
Welbeck, let us assume from Worksop, from which 
it is about three miles-and-a-half. The sun 
lies warm and bright on the grassy meads and 
wooded uplands of the Sherw T ood country. Suddenly, 
and without seeming warning, your horse leaves 
the glad light. You plunge into a resounding dim 
vault. You might have been precipitated into the 
Catacombs. You might have been thrown intoMJhe^ 
cave of Trophonius. . Instead of the summer scent, 
there is the smell of the tomb. Instead of the 
pleasant silence of a country lane, there is the con- 
fusion of clamorous echoes ; something like that you 
hear when an express train is bursting through a 
tunnel. Ever and anon a reminiscence of gas, or a 
circle of light apparently struggling through a bull's 
eye lantern from the rumbling roof, makes weird 
Rembrandt-like shadows. If your horse is spirited, 
and not accustomed to the strange plunge the coach- 
man has taken, driving him is a nervous sensation, 
and he will probably emerge in the sunshine at the 
new Riding School at Welbeck trembling with the 
excitement of fear, and with foam flecking his bit. 
This subterranean carriage-way is one of the many 
interminable tunnels with which the late Duke of 
Portland perforated Welbeck and its approaches. 
He is reported to have spent between two and three 
millions sterling in making this vast congeries of 
underground walks, and drives, and halls. There 
is a labyrinth of private tunnels through which three 
people can walk abreast. They are comfortably 
warmed, and lighted artificially with gas, and 
naturally by circles of plate glass from the grassy 
avenues of the park above. Altogether, there are 
some miles of these underground promenades." 

A considerable portion of the present mansion 



go 



WELBECK. 



was built by the celebrated Elizabeth Hardwick, 
(wife of Sir William Cavendish, and afterwards of 
the great Earl of Shrewsbury), and her third son, Sir 
Charles Cavendish, father of William Cavendish, first 
Duke of Newcastle, upon the basement of the ancient 
Abbey ; and successive owners have added wings and 
suites of rooms until the building has assumed its pre- 
sent palatial proportions. The late owner in particular 
having annually expended fabulous sums in additions 
and alterations to the Abbey, so as to render it one 
of the most extraordinary buildings in the kingdom. 

The parts existing of the once " great church" 
or Abbey of St. James bear unmistakable evidences 
of the ancient and monkish character of the building, 
and will doubtless excite the interest and curiosity 
of those of an antiquarian turn of mind. The 
ceilings, with their pointed arches, carry us back 
to the Gothic period, and a small doorway, in an ad- 
mirable state of preservation, denotes the sturdy 
character of the Norman style. These apartments 
comprise the Servants' Hall, and three or four other 
rooms occupied by them ; and the beautiful condition in 
which they are kept gives rise to the anticipation 
that it will be long ere these remnants of the 
ancient history of the Abbey will crumble to decay. 

It should be borne in mind that Welbeck is 
not a "show house" according to the general 
acceptation of the term. It is a private residential 
palace, and as some of the noble Duke's family 
are usually there, it would be presumptuous to expect 
that the " Wonders of Welbeck" would be thrown open 
to the inspection of the troops of sightseers who would 
doubtless make the princely mansion their rendezvous. 
The underground apartments — including the picture 
gallery — the riding school and tan gallop, and 
portions of the grounds are however shown to the 
Tourist, and these, of themselves, are calculated to 
create the greatest amount of wonder and astonish- 
ment. By the extension of a gracious privilege, 
which we cannot too highly prize, we have been 



* w 

r h 

f o 



O 



Z 
Z 




92 WELBECK. 



permitted to view the whole of the interior, in- 
cluding the State apartments, but space does not 
admit of our attempting to give more than a 
general idea of the wealth, the profusion, and the 
vast and gigantic dimensions of the regal magnifi- 
cence of Welbeck. No description that we can 
give within the limited capacity of this guide-book 
can convey an adequate conception of the extra- 
ordinary grandeur which pervades the ducal residence. 
In 1734, Margaret Cavendish Harley, only child 
of the Earl and Countess of Oxford, married the 
second Duke of Portland, and carried Welbeck and 
Bolsover into the ducal family. Her mother, the 
Countess of Oxford, had a great portion of the house 
restored, and affixed the date to the work in various 
parts of the interior, which leads a casual observer 
to conclude that the residence is a comparatively 
modern structure. The Oxford wing, as it is called, 
contains some of the most luxurious apartments in 
the mansion, and adjacent thereto, is the Gothic 
Hall, the interior of which is also the work of the 
Countess of Oxford. It is a gem of architecture, 
and the ceiling is a revelation of art, with its pendant 
fan-tracery in the Gothic style. The workmanship 
is of a most delicate description ; the carving and 
painting of the oak of which the ornamentation is 
constructed, being specially noticeable. Over a hand- 
some fireplace hangs the Countess of Oxford's coat of 
arms. Here are several interesting family portraits, 
including one of the fourth Duke, by Sir F. Grant, 
and presented by his Grace's tenants. Portraits of 
Margaret Cavendish Harley and the second Duke, 
by Hudson, hang on the walls, as does a portrait of 
the distinguished statesman Lord George Bentinck, 
whose life terminated suddenly at Welbeck when 
almost at the zenith of his fame ; this is by Belli, 
after Lane ; also portraits of Lieut. -General Bentinck, 
father of the present Duke of Portland, by Richmond ; 
and of the Baroness Bolsover, painted by J. Sant, r.a., 
and presented to her Ladyship by the employes of 
the estate and tradesmen of Worksop. That quali- 



WELBECK. 9 3 

ties and inclinations are generally hereditary is well 
illustrated in the Bentinck family ; the famous taste 
of the Dukes of Portland for the equine species 
being brought to memory by a fine model of St. 
Simon, the noted racehorse, who will, however, 
probably take a second place amongst his Grace's 
favourites, now that Ayrshire has won for him the 
honours of the Derby. The room abounds in articles 
of rare design and enormous value, as is likewise 
the case in every other part of this lavishly-adorned 
dwelling. In the Oxford wing, the rooms are 
furnished most sumptuously in the Louis XVI. style, 
while the chimney-pieces, carving, and Wedgwood 
plaques impart to them a noble and dignified 
appearance. 

The Large Drawing Room is a capacious apart- 
ment ; the cornices being handsomely enriched with 
white and gold, and the walls hung with fine French 
tapestry. The doorways and massive marble mantel- 
piece give to the room a solidity in harmony 
with the features for which Welbeck is celebrated. 
Here is a wonderful collection of the productions of 
Vandyke, including portraits of Wentworth, Earl of 
Stafford, Charles I., the first Duke of Newcastle, 
the Prince of Orange, Sir Kenelm Digby, Moses in 
the Bulrushes, Archbishop Laud, Queen Henrietta 
Maria, and Charles II. There is also a study of 
an old woman by Greffier, and three paintings by 
Dixon. One of the most important features amongst 
the art treasures at Welbeck, and for which it is 
famous, is the fine collection of miniatures ; and in 
this room are some exceedingly choice examples of 
this delicate art. There are two cases containing 
portraits of royalty, one case of family miniatures, 
and one of painters and literary celebrities. Amongst 
others are Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Anne, and 
Charles I. ; Henrietta Maria, by Petito ; Charles I., 
by Cooper ; Prince Rupert, Queen Mary, Queen 
Elizabeth when Princess, and Henry VIII. ; and 
family portraits by Zincke. There are also miniatures 
of Shakespeare, Inigo Jones, Sir Peter Lely, Sir Philip 



94 WELBECK. 



Sydney, Oliver Cromwell, and Walter, the poet, by 
P. Oliver. The tapestry, cabinets, and various rare 
articles arranged about the room are of the most 
costly description, and probably cannot be equalled in 
any other house in the kingdom. Amongst many 
treasures of exceptional interest are Queen Mary II.'s 
coronation ring, Queen Henrietta Maria's rosary of 
carved cherry and plum stones, Henry VIII. 's dagger, 
and King Charles I.'s ear-ring, which was in his ear 
when he was executed. There is also in this room 
the first piece of Dresden china ever made. 

The Swan Drawing Room is so called from the 
large representation of a swan on the fine Axminster 
carpet. On the walls are pictures by Van Uden ; of 
Edward VII., probably by Guillimi Stretes ; fowls, by 
Houdekocher ; Elizabeth Cavendish, first daughter of 
Henry Duke of Newcastle, who married, firstly, Chris- 
topher Monk, second Duke of Albemarle, and secondly, 
the Duke of Montagu, who courted and married 
her as Emperor of China, 1734, by Lely ; oil 
painting on copper, of head, by Correggio ; boy 
laughing, by Murillo ; Christ and St. John, by 
Guido ; a wonderful and elaborate representation of 
the Tower of Babel, by Breughel ; Christ and St. 
John, by De Passaro ; Buonaparte, by De la Roche; 
a large picture entitled "The Garden of Love," 
by Rubens ; landscapes by Orizonte and Greffier. 
Here are also two cases of miniatures, in which are 
represented Maria Antoinette, by the Chevalier de 
Beaumon ; the Duchess de Berri ; also portraits of 
Napoleon, by Isaby and Soissons ; the Empress 
Josephine, and others. Amongst other valuables in 
this room is a jewel chest, a marvellously-wrought 
brass, and crimson velvet, formerly belonging to 
William III. and Mary, and given by them to 
the first Earl and Countess of Portland. 

The Blue Drawing Room is an extremely hand- 
some saloon ; the walls being richly hung with blue 
satin damask, the upholstery matching the luxurious 
surroundings. A well-executed piece of old English 
tapestry occupies a prominent position, the subject 



WELBECK. 



95 



represented being a Continental harvest scene. There 
are several ancestral portraits, besides paintings of 
a peacock and birds by Houdekocher , six small 
paintings, by Van Orley ; the Empress Catherine 
of Russia ; pair of Dead Game, by Biltius ; land- 
scape, by Poussin ; a large painting of Antwerp, 
by Paul Brill ; a River Scene by the same artist ; 
and a landscape by Ruysdael. 

In the Entrance Hall is a fine piece of Flemish 
tapestry, and amongst other objects of interest here 
are two stuffed bears, killed by the Duke in 
Russia, in 1886. There is a splendid model of 
the ship in which the first Bentinck came over to 
England with the Prince of Orange. A gigantic 
pike, killed in the lake, is shown in a glass case, 
as are also several other piscatorial specimens 
whose huge proportions attract attention. The buhl 
cabinets, curiosities, and other interesting articles 
in the room are both numerous and many of 
them of priceless worth. 

The Ante-room contains, amongst other works 
of art, a picture of King William III., and presented 
by him to the first Earl of Portland ; also a choice 
painting of St. Jerome in his study, by Stenwick. 

In the State Dressing Room, the furniture is 
of gold and white, upholstered with rare Old 
English needlework. 

The Alcove Bedroom is another state apart- 
ment, and was occupied by the Prince of Wales 
when he visited Welbeck. The bed itself stands 
in an alcove, highly enriched with exquisite carving. 
A costly Indian quilt and white satin hangings, 
displaying some gorgeous and elaborate oriental 
embroidery, are amongst the embellishments of this 
room. Hanging on the wall is a portrait of the 
Princess of Wales. 

The State Boudoir is a splendid apartment, 
and furnished in most luxurious style. The cornice 
is ornamented with gold, and the pictures are set 
in panels on the walls, richly and elegantly gilded. 
One of the most extraordinary pieces of handicraft 



96 WELBECK. 

in this room is an ebony and ivory secretaire, of 
Italian workmanship, which is a perfect gazetteer 
of the w r orld, containing maps and plans of the 
principal cities and countries of the globe. This is 
but one of a host of beautiful and curious articles 
of vertu, which, with the silk damask and plush 
furnishings, and Axminster pile carpet, make this 
room one of the most charming in the Abbey. 
Amongst the pictures here are Louis Dauphin, 
Madame de Maintenon and Princess de Conde, by 
Largillier ; Marie Josephine of Saxony, by Tocque ; 
Madame la Valliere ; and Silvia, advice celebre. 

The " Horsemanship " Bedroom is chiefly dis- 
tinguished for the Flemish tapestry which adorns 
the walls, emblematic of the first Duke of New- 
castle's love of horsemanship. This wonderful 
tapestry serves to remind the observer in a vivid 
manner of that famous nobleman's equestrian tastes. 
Here are also some fine family portraits. Near to 
this bedroom is an apartment where the first Duke 
of Newcastle wrote his celebrated work on Horseman- 
ship, the original manuscript of which is still pre- 
served at Welbeck. The room is pannelled with 
oak, and has the appearance of a model literary 
sanctum. 

In the White Bedroom is a handsome four- 
post bedstead, formerly used by the late Duke. The 
bed furnishings are very beautiful, and include 
some delicate specimens of Old English needlework. 

The Music Room contains paintings by Beckar ; 
a copy of a cartoon, after Raphael; Madonna and 
Child, by Vandyke; St. Cecilia playing the organ, 
by Carlo Dolce ; a series of paintings representing 
Charity, by Franks ; four pictures' by Breughel ; 
St. John in the .Wilderness, by Caracci ; lionesses 
and roebuck, by Rubens and. Snyders ; Antoine 
de Lagra, by Titian-; Magdalene, by Titian ; 
landscape, by Claude ; Noah building the Ark, by 
Bassano ; and a representation of the rising of the 
waters at the flood, by the same artist ; Madonna, 
by Carlo Dolce ; Christ bearing the Cross, by 



WELBECK. 97 



Raphael; a Holy Family, by Raphael; and a pair 
of cartoons copied from Raphael. The furniture 
of this room is in gold and yellow satin. 

Lady Bolsover's Boudoir is another delightful 
apartment, whose chaste contents and charming 
adornments, disposed on every hand with exquisite 
taste, are so numerous as to render it impossible 
here to convey an adequate idea of their beauty 
or form. The room is furnished in most elegant 
style, and the walls are lined with the productions 
of some of the most famous of the old masters. 
Here are examples of the works of Holbein, 
Wouvermans, and Rubens ; a landscape, by Schalch ; 
a study of a boy, by Rembrandt; an old man, by 
Titian, and others. The room also possesses three 
wonderful sea-pieces, by Vandevelde, which make 
up a collection of pictures of almost fabulous value. 

In the adjacent corridor and vestibule is a 
superb collection of miniatures and other pictures, the 
subjects being principally portraits of various French 
celebrities, amongst whom appear Maria Therese, by 
Mignard ; Marie Adelaide of Savoy, grandmother 
of Louis XV., by Largillier ; Madame de Pompadour, 
by Drouais ; General Ireton, by Jansen, as well as 
others by Mignard and Nattier. 

In the Duke's business room, a very striking 
feature is a magnificent elephant's head, which is 
placed over the mantelpiece. The noble quadruped 
was killed by Colonel Vivian, in 1875. Another 
object of special interest is the famous cabinet 
made from the wood of the " Greendale" Oak, to 
commemorate the feat of one of the Dukes, who 
had an aperture cut through its bole sufficiently large 
to allow a carriage and four horses to pass through. 
The cabinet bears date 1727, is in an excellent 
state of preservation, and contains on its surface 
inlaid representations of the coach-and-four passing 
through the tree. 

On descending the staircase, is presented an ex- 
ceedingly effective and pretty view of a large and 
choice collection of blue China, of Oriental manu- 



9 8 WELBECK. 



facture. This is tastefully arranged in a large recess 
over a doorway, where, in addition to the really 
charming effect produced, the priceless pieces are 
out of harm's way. In various parts of the mansion 
are beautiful collections of the different styles of 
the potter's art, some of which are unique of their 
kind, and unsurpassed by any in the world. 

The famous old riding-school of the first Duke of 
Newcastle — built by him when Viscount Mansfield, 
in 1623 — is now a Library, except one end of it, which 
is screened off by crimson hangings, and used as a 
Church. Walls and doors are panelled, and silvered glass 
in all directions creates a brilliant appearance. Four 
cut-glass chandeliers, each weighing nearly a ton, are 
suspended from the roof, which, with twenty- 
eight smaller chandeliers, and sixty-four side brackets 
of glass, make a total of two thousand lights, the 
glittering and sparkling effecl: of which can scarcely be 
imagined. Natural light is also introduced through 
the medium of thirty sky-lights and fifteen 
large windows. The room is a veritable temple 
of crystal, 180 ft. long, 50 ft. high, and 40 ft. 
wide. The oaken floor is highly polished, and 
the roof is painted to represent the glories of 
an Italian sky. The roof is covered with 

patent corrugated copper. In two turrets on 

this has been placed a clock of wonderful 
construction. It has been referred to by Mr. 
Benson, of Old Bond Street, thus : — " In a set of 
clock calendars which I sometime since provided 
for His Grace the Duke of Portland, the clock 
showed the time on four dials, 5ft. gin. in diameter, 
quarters, hours, etc. on bells of 12 cwt., repeating the 
hour after the first, second and third quarter. The 
two sides of an adjoining tower show a calendar 
which indicates on special circles of a large dial, 
by means of separate hands, the month of the 
year, the day of the month, and the day of the 
week." This remarkable clever piece of mechanism 
strikes what are known as " Cambridge chimes." 

Underneath this wonderful apartment are vast 



WELBECK. 



99 



wine cellars, which are connected with the Abbey 
by means of subterranean passages. 

A suite of magnificent rooms, all underground, 
and lighted by bull's-eyes from the roof above, is 
contiguous to the Picture Gallery, another vast 
hall, in which are treasures and masterpieces of great 
value. The corridors by which this suite of apart- 
ments is approached, as is the case in every other 
part of the Abbey, are lined with oil paintings of 




His Grace the late Duke of Portland. 

(From Photo, of Bust at Welbeck Abbey.) 

kings, queens, warriors, and other celebrities. In 
one of these rooms is a very fine collection of 
British birds, which is scarcely surpassed in the 
kingdom. Magnificent mahogany doors and tapestry 
hangings complete the appearance of massive 
grandeur, which is an essential characteristic of this 



ioo WELBECK. 

palatial residence. 

At one of the entrances of the Picture Gallery, 
the Visitor cannot help being struck with the 
portrait of Adelaide Kemble, afterwards Mrs. Sartoris ; 
the histrionic attitude of the figure being remarkably 
telling. At the further extremity of the Picture 
Gallery is a bust of the late Duke, the work of H. 
R. Pinker, in 1880. 

Amongst the numerous pictures on the walls 
are the following :— Angel in contemplation, by Sir 
Joshua Reynolds ; William, Duke of Cumberland, and 
Lord Richard Cavendish; Charles I. by De Mytens ; 
Signora Zacaria, by Tintoretto ; Dutch Boers 
drinking, by Teniers ; Greendale Oak, by Barrett ; 
Boar Hunt, by Snyders ; Hawking, by Snyders ; 
Butcher's Stall, by Bassano ; Engagement of Cavalry, 
by Wyck ; Wolf Hunt, by De Vos ; Woman 
watering flowers, by Greffier ; mythical subjects, by 
Francks ; Holy Family, by Bassano ; Moonlight, by 
Berghem ; studies, by Zucchero, Vandevelde and 
Richardson ; Stag Hunt, by Snyders ; two large 
paintings, Stag Hunt and Bear Hunt, by Snyders ; 
landscape, by Wootton ; Dutch Fair, by Breughel ; 
Marquis of Titchfield, by Sir Joshua Reynolds ; 
Battle of the Boyne, by F. Wyck; Boar Hunt, by 
De Vos ; Roche Abbey, by Barrett ; Battle of the 
Boyne, by Dirk Maas ; the young Birdcatcher, by 
Netscher ; Bull baiting, by Snyders ; Cupid driving 
away Satyrs, by Cagnacci ; the Adoration of the 
Shepherds, by Gerard Honthorst ; Judith with the head 
of Holofernes, by Dix, after Guido ; Battle of 
the Boyne, by Van der Meulen ; studies by Bassano 
and Bourdon ; Cardinal Fleury, by Rigaud ; Cleopatra, 
inscribed Michael Wright. There are also an ex- 
ceedingly large number of portraits by Vandyke, 
in addition to others by Holbein, Kneller, Lely, 
Dahl, M. Shee, Knapton, West, Wootton, D. Mytens, 
Jansen, and Verelst. 

The dimensions of the Picture Gallery are : — 
length, 158 ft. 9 in., width, 63 ft. 8 in., height, 22 ft. 

A modern writer says : — " The picture gallery 



io2 WELBECK. 



I have denominated noble, and noble it is, being 
158 ft. long, and illuminated by eleven hundred burn- 
ers. This gives access to a further subterranean 
hall of splendid proportions and delightful appoint- 
ments. It is meant for a ball room. Like all the 
other chambers, it is excavated out of the solid clay, 
at a fabulous expense of time and capital, the one 
of years, and the other of thousands of pounds. 
Internally these cavernous buildings are perfectly 
cheerful, and most lavishly decorated. Externally 
all you see is a lawn diversified with shrubs, broken 
here and there by a disc of glass sending natural 
light below, and small iron structures that are 
ventilators for the gas." 

From the kitchens, which are above ground, and 
situate some distance from the Abbey, the dishes are 
conveyed to the guests in the Abbey below by a 
miniature railway and hydraulic lift. 

Of the network of subterranean passages under 
and around the Abbey, some connect the kitchens and 
servants' apartments, whilst one nearly a mile in 
length, full of strange perspectives, takes us to the 
riding-school — another of Welbeck's wonders. This 
astonishing building is 385 ft. long, 104 ft. broad, 
and 51 ft. high. It is lit by 8,ooo gas jets. The 
richly ornamented roof is of glass and iron. The 
tiles are of copper, the walls solid masonry. Fifty 
columns support the roof. There is a cornice in 
solid stone, which cost five guineas a yard to carve. 
A notable frieze of metal work represents foliage, 
fruit, flowers, birds, and beasts of the forest, carved 
and coloured in a most artistic manner. The floor 
is covered with soft tan. Besides the new riding- 
school is the " Galop," 1,270 ft. long, with roof of 
glass, of which it contains about 64,000 feet. 

At the date of the late Duke's death, 
(December, 1879), the beautiful pleasaunce around 
Welbeck Abbey was in the possession of an army 
of artificers and navvies, carrying out that noble- 
man's designs. Shedding and workshops, forge 
fires and machinery in motion had converted a 



WELBECK. 103 



fairy scene into a huge contractor's yard. Indeed, 
the noble owner for many years devoted a princely 
income to improvements and alterations on the estate, 
which, for their extent, and the number of work- 
people employed, have probably never been equalled 
in the experience of any private individual. 

It should be mentioned that James I. and 
Charles I. were entertained at Welbeck in kingly 
style by the munificent owner. " Rare Ben 
Jonson" was secured by the Duke to entertain 
the ill-fated monarch with his sparkling wit, and 
it was at Welbeck that he wrote " Love's Welcome." 

The park is about 10 miles in circumference ; 
its woodland scenery being exceedingly beauti- 
ful. The chief feature, perhaps, are the numerous 
gigantic oak trees, which stud the landscape 
in every direction, and whose apparent antiquity 
suggest to the mind the scenes enacted by the 
monkish occupants of the venerable Abbey close 
by ; indeed, it is not difficult for fancy to conjure 
up visions of the white-robed canons taking 
their walks on the grassy sword around. Dotted 
about at intervals are picturesque groups of deer, 
browsing in quiet solitude under the umbrageous 
branches of the broad-spreading oaks, culling the 
rich herbage, or bounding away across the park in 
the distant horizon. Many of the stags are un- 
usually fine ; the herds at Welbeck, for many years 
past having been carefully replenished by impor- 
tations of some of the finest specimens from the 
forests on his Grace's Scotch estates. There is 
likewise a large herd of pure white deer. 

The beautiful lake which runs along the east 
front of the Abbey is nearly three miles long ; its 
waters, after being used in the system of irrigation 
which has been described in the notice of Clipstone, 
pass thence to the ornamental waters of Clumber. 

The lake, at Welbeck, is crossed by an elegant 
bridge, with handsome highly-ornamented iron gates. 
A beautifully-designed boat-house stands on its 
shores, and not far from this is an artificial skating 



WELBECK. 105 

ring, with dressing rooms and every appliance for 
enjoying the invigorating exercise. 

On the estate are between 40 and 50 picturesque 
lodges, all of similar design, and built of Steetley 
stone, at great expense. These are also treated to the 
late Duke's penchant for subterranean building ; inmost 
cases the kitchens and offices being underground, at 
the side of the lodge, lighted by bulls'-eyes. 

The mansion has three fronts of almost equal im- 
portance ; and as seerj from over the lake, with 
its long line of pointed gables, battlements, turrets, 
and towers, presents a most noble appearance. Its 
architecture, owing to the extensive alterations made 
at different periods, consists of various styles — a 
combination of the Italian and classical. 

The pleasure grounds and terraces which surround 
the Abbey, and extend for a considerable distance in 
a direction parallel with the lake, are ornamented 
with rare and beautiful trees in luxuriant verdure ; 
some fine specimens of the Cedrus Deodora 
(the sacred cedar of the Hindoos), and of the 
Himalayan mountain fir being especially noticeable. 
The charming parterres are tastefully laid out, whilst 
the extensive lawns are intersected with graceful 
walks. 

The hunting stables are of gigantic proportions, 
are fitted up in a most resplendent style, and contain 
stalls for a hundred horses. The stud comprises 
many valuable animals ; and every description of 
carriage and vehicle is contained in the extensive 
coach-houses. The racing stables and paddocks, 
though comparatively of recent introduction, contain 
many horses of great value and the highest 
repute. The elaborately-constructed cowsheds also 
possess the most perfect appointments, whilst the 
dairy is fitted in a beautiful manner, lined with 
encaustic tiles, and has in the centre a fountain, 
whose crystal spray tends to produce a cooling 
effect. The timber yards and workshops are of great 
extent, and fitted with every kind of machinery and 
mechanical appliance ; here artisans of nearly every 



io6 WELBECK. 



trade are employed in making almost all that so 
large an estate requires. 

Amongst numerous other fine buildings situated 
near the stables and riding school, are the steward's 
offices, extensive poultry-yards, and laundry. 

With a view to the comfort and well-being of his 
numerous employes, the present Duke, shortly after 
succeeding to the estates, fitted up in a handsome 
manner a social club and canteen, comprising the 
conveniences of billiard room and refreshment room, 
together with an assortment of literature and the 
daily newspapers. His Grace's laudable scheme has 
proved an immense boon to those in his employ. 

All these buildings are of one massive style 
of architecture, and are equally complete and 
sumptuous in their internal fittings. To pro- 
tect this vast pile from the devastating effects 
of fire, a powerful steam engine with other ap- 
pliances is always in readiness on the premises, 
whilst towers and hydrants are placed in every 
conceivable spot. 

A vast area is devoted to the kitchen gar- 
dens and conservatories ; the vineries and peach- 
houses alone being nearly iooo feet in length ; 
whilst their are other hot-houses of considerable 
extent. Under the superintendence of the most skilful 
gardeners, extraordinary specimens of grapes, pines 
and other fruits are here produced, and may be 
seen in ever) 7 stage of forcing and fructification. 

The present Duke is a great favourite at the 
Court of Her Majesty the Queen, and holds 
the important office of Master of the Horse. 
In the country he is known as a successful agri- 
culturist and owner of horses, whilst his generosity 
and genial mien are the pride of his retainers and 
the admiration of the neighbourhood. A sketch of 
the family will be found in the " Descent of the 
'Dukeries.'" 





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CRESSWELL CRAGS 

^*"^ RE distant about five miles to the south- 
west of Worksop. Visitors delighting in rural 
life and others whose scientific attainments 
lead them to read off the earth's age by the ex- 
amination of its stratified formation, will be interested 
in this beautiful glen or crag-bound valley. The 
journey from Worksop may be made either by rail 
or road. 

These Crags vary in height from about 30 ft. 
to 80 ft. and the situation of the ravine, with 
its flowing stream of water, and immense weather- 
worn masses of rock profusely clothed with vegeta- 
tion, gives them a ruggedly natural appearance. 

The romantic defile and glen is at once strikingly 
picturesque and impressive, and the site of such 
great natural changes in the ages past should make 
the locality popular with strangers. During the 
past few years explorations on an extensive scale 
have been conducted, and important discoveries 
made, by some of the most eminent scientists of 
the day, and, owing to the courtesy of one of these 
authorities, w T e are enabled to give the following 
descriptive account, which will doubtless be received 
with deep interest by both scientific and non- 
scientific readers : — . 

CRESSWELL CRAGS. 

A range of hills of Magnesian Limestone extends from York- 
shire southwards into Leicestershire in the Permian geological 



io8 CRESS WELL CRAGS. 



formation. These hills run across the natural drainage course 
of the rivers of the country, and have at one time formed the 
escarpment of a tributary of one of the huge rivers, which in 
former ages crossed this country, when it was continuous with 
the mainland, and the s3aboard extended far into the Atlantic. 

They are intersected at intervals by ravines which have 
been excavated by streams, one of which has formed Cresswell 
Crags, near the old village of Cresswell, on the estate of the 
Duke of Portland. The Crags are about a third of a mile in 
length, and form two beetling escarpments from thirty to 
eighty feet high. Crag and scree are capped with a luxuriant 
growth of hazel, maple, ash, oak, alder and ivy. The stream, 
which has been here dammed into a lake by the late Duke of Port- 
land, forms the boundary between the counties of Derby and 
Nottingham. On each side of these Crags are fissures and 
caverns, which have been formed by the agency of water. On 
the north side are the Pin Hole, Dog Hole, Robin Hood 
cave, and " Mother Grundy's Parlour; " and on the south side the 
Church Hole. This ravine was one of the reputed haunts of 
Robin Hood and his hundred men. 

Many rare plants and useful herbs abound. The Rock Rose 
basks in the summer sun on the north side, and Ploughman's 
Spikenard is plentiful on the south Crag. Pellitory-on-the-wall 
and Wall Lettuce grow in profusion in the crevices of the rocks ; 
and on the banks of the stream may be found the Perfoliate 
Yellow Wort and Ground Ivy, whilst the Great Hairy Willow 
Herb skirts the lake with a glory of pink and cream-coloured 
blossoms. Cresswell Crags, however, have become more es- 
pecially noted for the Paloeontological riches of their caves, in 
the shape of teeth and bones of extinct mammalia of the 
Pleistocene age. 

The explorations at Cresswell Crags in 1876, were con- 
ducted under the auspices of a committee, consisting of Sir 
J. Lubbock, m.p., f.r.s., as President ; Prof. W. Boyd Dawkins, 
f.r.s., (Secretary) ; F. Longdon, (Treasurer) ; Prof. G. Busk, 
f.r.s., W. Bragge, f.g.s., R. D. Darbishire, b.a., f.g.s., J. 
Evans, f.r.s., A. W. Franks, f.r.s., Rooke Pennington, ll.b., 
f.g.s., Prof. Prestwick, f.r.s., and the Rev. J. M. Mello, m.a., 
f.g.s., (Director and Reporter), Prof. W 7 . Boyd Dawkins and T. 
Heath, f.r.h.s. being Superintendents. 

The Pin Hole, first noticed and explored by the Rev. J. M. 
Mello, is a fissure forty to fifty yards long, at that time 
filled with sand and angular blocks of stone which had fallen 
from the roof. Beneath these were found a quantity of teeth 
and bones of a mammalia belonging to the Pleistocene age, 
most of which have died out in this country, some of 
them being wholly extincl:. The bones showed traces of having 
been gnawed by the hyaenas ; more especially the long bones, 
containing marrow, of which they are very fond. This hyaena 
was a large variety of the Spotted Hyaena, now found only in 
central and southern Africa. 



CRESS WELL CRAGS. 109 

The remains were identified by Prof. Busk as belonging to 
the grisly bear, hyaena, wolf, common fox, Arctic fox, 
glutton, bison, reindeer, Irish elk, horse, woolly rhinoceros, 
and mammoth. The Arctic fox, abundant in the Polar 
regions, had not been previously found in Britain, but had been 
discovered in the caves of France, Germany, and Switzerland ; 
and the glutton had been previously found in the Plas Heaton 
cave near St. Asaph. The bodies of these animals were carried 
piecemeal into the cave by packs of hyaenas. 

The Robin Hood and Church caves also furnish a rich 
harvest of " finds" to the explorers, of a similar character in 
both caves. In addition to those found in the Pin Hole were 
the remains of the lion, Mackairodus or sabre toothed lion, hare, 
wild cat, leopard and brown bear; the glutton and Arctic 
fox being absent. The presence of man of the " River Drift" 
type was shown by the discovery of five " Pot boilers" of 
quartzite, and three splinters of the same material, in an un- 
disturbed bed of red sand, which formed the lowest fossiliferous 
layer in the Robin Hood cave. Underlying the red sand, a 
layer of white sand devoid of fossils existed. Above the red 
sand, were layers of red cave earth, and a stalagmitic stony Breccia, 
which contained several weapons and trimmed flakes of flint, 
and numerous simple flakes, scrapers, choppers, and two 
incised bones of the late Palaeolithic type fashioned by the 
" cave men." One of the incised bones represented a correctly 
drawn figure of a horse on a fragment of rib, being the first 
specimen of this kind found in Britain ; several, however, 
having been found on the Continent in the caves of France, 
Belgium, and Switzerland, which exhibit a skill in drawing in 
outline superior to Ancient Egyptian art of the same kind. 

The Hyaena and Man appear to have held possession of the 
caves alternately ; the human occupants possessing wandering 
habits, owing to climate and the migrations of animals on which 
they subsisted ; a mode of life which is an effectual barrier to 
the development of civilized habits. Agriculture, domesticated 
animals, the use of metals, or pottery, and even the art of 
polishing a stone weapon were unknown in the Paloeolithic age, 
an age which must have been of vast duration ; yet the skill exhibited in 
drawing on bone and ivory, shows that despite their enforced nomadic 
life, they possessed a certain amount of refinement of mind. 
They were small in stature, living by hunting, equipped only 
with spear and javelin of chipped flint. The "River 
Drift" type is supposed to have been of southern origin, and 
has been traced as far as India. The "cave men" of later 
date associated with the Arctic mammalia, were a northern 
race, no trace of them being found south of the Pyrenees. 
They were identical in habit and tastes with the present 
Eskimos, and like them, lived upon a habitable strip of cold 
border land, which accompanied the advance and retreat of 
the huge ice sheets of glacial or great ice age. 

"Mother Grundy's Parlour" was next explored by Prof. 



no CRESS WELL CRAGS. 



Dawkins and the Rev. J. M. Mello, which resulted in the 
discovery of the Hippopotamus and Leptorhine Rhinoceros in 
an older fossil bed than existed in the preceding caves, 
consisting of red clay and yellow ferruginous sand underlying 
the red sand. No trace of Man was found in this bed, but 
implements were found in the upper beds, associated with the 
ordinary cave fauna. 

A re-excavation of the Robin Hood Cave by Mr. R. Laing, 
m.r.c.s., f.r. met. soc, of Blyth, Northumberland, in 1885-87, re- 
vealed the existence of an inner cavern of considerable extent, 
which had been hidden from the world since the remote 
Pleistocene age. It contained the teeth and bones of the hippo- 
potamus, rhinoceros, bison, Irish elk, hyaena, bear, wolf, 
and boar. The presence of the Hippopotamus in this and 
the Grundy cave proves the existence in this country at that time 
of a warm equable climate all the year round, which had 
cooled down to ardlic severity when the fauna of the Pin Hole 
and Dog Hole roamed through the frozen valley. 

The most remarkable discovery was the finding of human 
bones in this cave, by the same explorer, in the lowest fossiliferous 
stratum, which, from their stratigraphical and zoological position, 
belong to the early " River Drift " type of Man, of the Paloeolithic, 
or unpolished stone age, being the first found in an 
undisturbed stratum in England, and the first in Great Britain 
with the exception of a molar tooth from a cave in Cafn, near 
St. Asaph, in Wales. 

The cave where these bones were found, named by the 
finder the " Little John Cavern," was nearly filled with a 
stony clay, with a layer of red sand above it, continuous 
with the sand fitting the entrance passage to this cave, and 
the lowest fossiliferous bed in the front, or Robin Hood's cave. 
Below the red sand and clay was found the same unfossiliferous 
white sand, which formed the lowest bed in the other Cresswell 
caves. 

The bed of red clay was only found in this and the 
Mother Grundy Caves, and they are correlated by the ex- 
istence of remains of the Hippopotamus in both beds, denoting 
a greater antiquity than the fauna of the other caves ; an 
antiquity which was shared by Man. Flakes, choppers, and 

scrapers of a primitive " Acheulien " type were found associated 
with the above remains. A charred canine of a bear and " pot 
boilers" pointed to the probable occupation of the cave by 
Paloeolithic man, and the presence of coprolites proves the 
same of the hyaena. 

Mr. Laing also found the remains of a skeleton in 
the shape of two human bones, (humerus and radius) 
in the front of Robin Hood Cave, buried in a rude cist of 
unhewn limestone slabs, and covered up to the roof of the 
cave in a cairn of stones and earth, which had become thickly- 
crusted with stalagmite. A finely-chipped flint spear head 
appeared to be associated with the human remains. The 



CRESS WELL CRAGS. m 



cairn stood in a corner over a fissure 21 ft. deep, filled to 
the top with red sand, the stalagmite covering the earlier 
Paloeolithic layer having been broken in inserting the upright 
stones forming the sides of the cist. This was evidently a 
Neolithic interment of the Polished Stone age. No satisfactory 
proof has yet been found that systematic interment was 
practised in the earlier Paloeolithic period. 

The Dog Hole fissure was discovered by the same ex- 
plorer in the spring of 1887, and yielded teeth, and bones of 
the same fauna found by the Rev. J. M. Mello in the Pin 
Hole fissure. The gnawed condition of the bones, and the 
presence of numerous coprolites of the cave hyaena prove the 
Dog Hole and Little John caves to have been hyaena dens. 

Their exploration is still being proceeded with. 




STEETLEY CHURCH. 




$HOSE who delight in scarce relics of ancient 
architecture, situated in the midst of sylvan 
scenery should pay a visit to Steetley 
Church, about two-and-a-half miles westward of 
Worksop. This choice remnant of early stone 
Churches has exercised the minds of archaeologists 
as to whether its architecture is Saxon or Norman. 
Concerning such a speculation, our intelligent Tourist 
may be able to form an opinion, after visiting what 
remains of the structure. 

The authors of Magna Britannia have given 
great consideration to this beautiful Tittle ruin, and 
their description we quote: " The desecrated Church 
of Steetley" say they "exhibits a very complete 
specimen of the later and more enriched style of 
Saxon architecture on a small scale. It is quite 
entire except the roof. It consists of a nave and 
chancel, each 26 feet in length ; the east end being 
circular and vaulted ; the ribs of the arches and 
the capitals of the half pillows from which they 
spring, are much enriched with various mouldings, 
grotesque heads, foliage and other ornaments. A 
cornice, supported by brackets, ornamented with 
roses, heads, etc., runs round the upper part of 
the building on the outside. The circular part at 
the east end has also a fascia of foliage running 
round it, about the middle of the building, and is 
besides enriched with pilasters in the Saxon style. 
The arch of the south doorway is ornamented with 



SHIREOAKS. 113 



zigzag mouldings and heads ; the shafts of the 
pillars are covered with sculptured foliage and other 
ornaments, in the style of the doorway of Ely 
Cathedral." 

Though thus described as of Saxon origin, it 
is now generally maintained that many of the most 
ancient buildings wherein appear short columns 
supporting semi-circular arches, ornamented with 
zigzag mouldings and rude sculptures, and which 
not many years ago were usually termed Saxon, in 
reality belong to the adjoining or early Norman 
period ; a prominent feature — the round-arched style — 
being the same in each. 

Steetley was early the property of the Le 
Bretons, who probably built the chapel about the 
middle of the twelfth century. It subsequently 
passed into the hands of the Earls of Shrewsbury, 
owners of Worksop Manor. 

Owing to the untiring zeal of the Rector of 
Whitwell (the Rev. G. E. Mason, m.a.), this choice 
relic underwent thorough restoration in 1880, under 
the able direction of Mr. J. L. Pearson, r.a., the 
result being all that could be desired. The cost 
thereof amounted to about ^"1,200. 

The beautiful Steetley stone, which is obtained 
from extensive quarries near here, is in great 
request for the construction of ecclesiastical edifices 
and other important buildings. 

SHIREOAKS. 

The name of this village probably originated 
in a grove or number of oaks, which, from their 
position, indicated the boundaries of the three 
counties of Nottingham, York, and Derby. The 
appellation was perpetuated by a solitary survivor of 
this grove of trees, which was said to adumbrate with 
its branches a portion of the three aforesaid counties. 
This tree is described by Evelyn in his " Sylva," 
as "standing in the grounds of the late Sir Thomas 
Hewitt, about a mile from Worksop Park, which 



ii 4 GATEFORD AND ANSTON. 

drops into three shires, and the distance from bough- 
end to bough-end is thirty yards. This circumference 
will contain 707 square yards, sufficient to shade 
235 horses." It is believed to have stood until 
the beginning of the last century. 

The village is situated two-and-a-half miles N.W. 
of Worksop. It is famous for its coal mines, opened 
out by the fifth Duke of Newcastle, and now 
worked by the Shireoaks Colliery Company. 

The foundation stone of the beautiful Gothic 
Church (erected by the fifth Duke of Newcastle) 
was laid by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, in 
1 861. As a memorial to the noble donor, the 
chancel has been richly decorated. 

Shireoaks Hall, adjoining the village, is in the 
occupation of Mr. George Eddison. The Manor 
or Grange of Shireoaks was part of Emma de 
Lovetot's gift to the Prior} 7 of Worksop. 

After the dissolution of Worksop Priory, and 
on August 16th, 1548, Henry VIII. granted the 
Grange or Manor of " Sheroks " to Robert Thorn- 
hill and Hugh Thornhill. It afterwards passed to 
the family of Hewitt ; being purchased so early 
as 1559 by Sir William Hewitt, Lord Mayor of 
London at that time, and son of Edmund Hewitt of 
the neighbouring village of Wales. Members of this 
family resided here for nearly 300 years — till 181 1. 
It subsequently came into the possession of the Duke 
of Norfolk, and was eventually purchased by the 
Duke of Newcastle. 

GATEFORD HILL, 

The residence of Henry Vessey Machin, Esq., j.p., 
is about a mile distant from Shireoaks and a mile- 
and-a-half from Worksop. The handsome house, 
with the beautiful and richly-timbered park, presents 
an imposing appearance as seen from the road. 

ANSTON STONES. 

The village of Anston is reputed for its quarries, 



ROCHE ABBEY. 



ii5 



from which stone was obtained for building the 
Houses of Parliament. 

But a very short distance from the village is a 
deep and romantic ravine, with a little brook warbling 
wildly down its centre, and with precipitous rocks 
on either side beautifully clothed in woody verdure. 
Mysterious caves, caverns and fissures open out 
here and there, all tending to impart a tinge of 
the romantic to this wild and picturesque dell. The 
ever-changing and charming scenery which is pre- 
sented to the Visitor makes this sequestered vale 
well worthy of a visit. 

The Crags are distant about five miles hy road 
from Worksop ; but the best means of reaching them 
is by rail to Kiveton Park Station, and thence on 
foot for about a mile-and-a-half. 

ROCHE ABBEY. 

"Years roll on years; to ages, ages yield; 
Abbots to Abbots, in a line succeed ; 
Religion's charter their protecting shield, 
Till royal sacrilege their doom decreed." 

In an extensive and sequestered valley, about 
eight miles to the north of Worksop, are situated 
the picturesque ruins of the once magnificent Abbey 
of Roche, and the natural attractions of the locality 
— independent of its historical associations — being 
such as are rarely surpassed for beautiful scenery 
and wild grandeur, it is not surprising that each 
year brings an increasing number of pilgrims 
to this delightful spot, far from the city's dim, full 
of sweet dreams of health and pleasant breathing. 

The Visitor should take the turnpike road 
through Carlton and Hodsock — a straight road from 
Worksop — and, having arrived at Oldcotes, thence 
by the Rotherham road, to the left. As it is 
approached from Worksop, the scene around is 
charming in the extreme. There are two valleys, 
one being at right angles to the other. Through 
the principal one runs a pretty stream, which is 



n6 ROCHE ABBEY. 

fenced in by huge perpendicular crags of white lime- 
stone rock — of which beautiful material the Abbey 
was built — which still shield the ruins as they 
once did the famous Abbey itself. 

Both valleys are environed by bold wooded 
heights, and abound in many a waterfall and rippling 
rivulet, rustic bridge and tree-crowned crag. The 
sides of the ravine are covered with wild flowers, 
ferns, and every variety of vegetation in most 
picturesque luxuriance. 

Here and there are winding walks leading to 
picturesque prospects, where, under the verdant 
bowers formed by the umbrageous branches of the 
trees around, seats are placed for reposing after 
having surmounted the steep ascents. 'Tis no wonder 
that, as Mr. Eddison says, "the nomadic race of 
the w r ild Zingari, who still prefers the healthful 
habits and patriarchal life and wanderings of primitive 
times to the cumbersome yoke and restraints of 
artificial life, finds many an imitator at Roche," 
for the situation is one of beauty indescribable, and 
is admirably secluded for the purpose of pic-nic 
parties, w T ho can here so easily transform the 
velvety greensward into an elegant refectory, and 
enjoy the charms of the scenery which this romantic 
dell affords. An isolated rock, separated in remote 
convulsion, has been named the " Table Rock," 
whilst not far distant is situated a "Wishing Spring." 

Opposite the Abbey, and on a plateau above, 
is a beautiful lake, supplied by a stream from the 
hills around, and abounding in water-fowl. 

Roche Abbey was formerly occupied by 
Cistercian Monks, and founded by the lords of 
Maltby and Hooton, (neighbouring villages) Richard 
de Busli and Richard Fitz-Turgis, though previous 
to the erection of the edifice, a colony of the 
saintly fathers from Dijon, or from some house 
of the same order already settled in England, sought 
this sequestered vale and established themselves 
here, sheltered from the elements by its rocks and 
wooded heights. Considerable grants of land were 



ROCHE ABBEY. 117 

from time to time made to the Abbey by various per- 
sons, amongst them being Henry II. — who gave one 
hundred acres of land near Lindrick — Leo de 
Manvers, the De Warrens, etc. Various exchanges 
were made in the estates connected with the 
monastery during the four centuries in which the 
house flourished ; it was dissolved in 1538, at the 
time " bluff Harry turned the cowls adrift," at which 
date its clear revenue amounted to ^"222 8s. 5d., 
there being then 17 monks residing there. About six 
years after the dissolution, Henry VIII. granted the 
site to William Ramsden and Thomas Vavason. 

Of the once noble Abbey, a few fragments alone 
remain to give us a faint impression of its early 
glory. These picturesque ruins consist of a gateway 
and some portions of the eastern part of the church. 
As they rise in solemn grandeur in the romantic 
defile, amidst the charming surroundings, with that 
companion of ruins — ivy, fondly clinging to the rich 
tracery of a bygone age, they present a picture 
perfectly lovely for the Visitor's contemplation. 
There are likewise many beauties in these roofless 
ruins which will commend themselves to the archi- 
tectural eye, and to the thoughtful study of the 
Antiquary. 

The gateway appears to have been the Hos- 
pitium of the Abbey, and was probably erected for 
the accommodation of the numerous pilgrims who 
were attracted here by the discovery of the accidental 
resemblance of a fragment of the rock to our 
Saviour. This phenomenon was probably the reason 
for calling the Abbey "Our Saviour of the Roche." 

The edifice is believed to have been a cruciform ' 
structure, and consisted of nave, with two aisles, 
choir with two chapels on either side, north and 
south transepts and tower. The total length is 
supposed to have measured about 200 ft. 

By command of the noble owner, a thorough 
and careful exploration of the ruins has recently 
been effected, and many interesting discoveries 
made, amongst the most important being the stones 



n8 OSBERTON. 



which formed the tracery of the great east window, 
as well as other beautiful carved work, and a large 
stone trough, believed to have been used for the 
holy water. In addition thereto, portions of the 
w T alls and floors of the transepts and the bases of 
some of the pillars have been laid bare. The work 
of exploration is not completed, but when the mass 
of loose stone and other debris has been cleared away, 
it is expected that a perfect ground plan of the 
Abbe} 7 and the domestic buildings will be exposed to 
view. 

Sufficient of the remains have, however, already 
been recovered from their 300 years' burial, to prove 
that the Abbey of Saint Mary of the Rupe, or of the 
Rock, formed a 'structure of great magnificence and 
most noble proportions. 

For many years the property has been in the 
hands of the Earls of Scarborough, and by their 
generosity, this choice relic, standing in such a 
secluded spot, and so rich in romantic associations, 
has been preserved for the inspection of the Tourist ; 
and the remains of so much desolate splendour will 
tend to conjure up reflections on the mutability 
of mundane institutions — sic transit gloria mundi. 

OSBERTON, 

The residence of Francis John Savile Foljambe, 
Esq., lies about three miles to the east of Worksop, 
from which place the stranger has no difficult) 7 in 
reaching its threshold ; the lodge gates — the entrance 
to the park, — being, as it were, on the main road 
from Worksop to Retford. 

On entering the richly-timbered Park, thriving 
plantations and fertile pastures meet the eye on 
every hand ; the oak, the beech, the elm and the larch, 
in picturesque luxuriance, dot the landscape in ever) 7 
direction, whilst the variegated foliage of the 
surrounding woods tends to enhance the beauteous 



OSBERTON. 119 



The Osberton estate came into the possession of 
this ancient and highly-esteemed family by the mar- 
riage of Francis Ferrand Foljamhe, Esq., with the 
daughter and co-heir of John Thornhaugh, Esq. 
The Foljambes formerly resided at Aldwark in 
Yorkshire and Walton in Derbyshire, where they 
held at various times most important offices under 
the Crown. 

The Hall, which is both exceedingly handsome 
and commodious, underwent, a few years ago, con- 
siderable alteration and improvement, including the 
addition of a new wing ; a striking feature of its 
external appearance is a handsome portico, w T hich 
is situated at the chief entrance. 

The Mansion stands on a commanding eminence, 
and has a carefully-planned and beautiful lake 
glistening at one of its principal fronts, whilst the 
sylvan profusion all round is of singular beauty. 

In the Hall are some fine paintings, many of 
them being sporting subjects. Spoils of the gun 
and chase are likewise particularly abundant. 
Indeed, the interior of the Mansion presents the 
appearance of what Osberton for generations past 
has been — the worthy residence of an estimable 
English 'squire and sportsman. There is a valuable 
museum of scientific specimens, including a very 
fine collection of British birds, and amongst other 
choice relics is a carving in alabaster, representing 
the assassination of Thomas a Becket, which is 
believed to have been a part of the altar at Beau- 
chief Abbey, Sheffield. 

The pleasure grounds, which are situated between 
the Hall and the adjoining village or lordship of 
Scofton, are of considerable extent and beauty, and 
abound in admirably-arranged parterres, velvety 
lawns and winding walks. At the extremity of the 
pleasure grounds is the pretty little Norman Church, 
erected in 1833 by the late owner, in memory of 
his wife, the mother of the present possessor of the 
estate. 






i2o HODSOCK PRIORY— SERLBY HALL. 



HODSOCK PRIORY, 

The residence of Mrs. Mellish, is situated in a valley 
between Carlton and Blyth, and is distant about 5 
miles from Worksop. Hodsock formerly belonged to 
the families of Cossard, Hoddisac, and Cressy, thence 
passing to the Markhams and Cliftons, and ab.out the 
middle of the last century came into the pos- 
session of the Mellish family. The priory which 
anciently existed there, was erected about the year 
1 100, but scarce a vestige of it now remains. 

The Hall is a large and handsome building of 
modern erection, and is surrounded by extensive 
grounds. The former mansion was defended by a 
moat and tower gateway, traces of the former yet 
remaining, whilst the curious old brick gateway 
still exists, presenting a picturesque appearance to 
the whole structure. 

SERLBY HALL, 

The seat of the Right Hon. the Viscount Galway, 
stands in a picturesque and well-wooded park, about 
eight miles north-north-east of Worksop. 

The present Hall, which was erected in the 
latter part of the last century, stands on the site 
formerly occupied by a very ancient mansion. The 
various apartments contain many fine paintings, in- 
cluding two portraits by Hans Holbein, of Henry 
VIII. and Nicholas Kreatzer, his astronomer ; another 
picture, 12 ft. by 15 ft., representing Charles I. with 
horses and dogs, by Daniel Mytens, also numerous 
good examples by Vandyke, Canaletti and other 
masters. 

The situation of the mansion is very pleasant, 
groups of fine old trees studding the spacious park 
in every direction, whilst the gardens and pleasure 
grounds are very beautiful. 

The popular owner is master of the Grove Fox- 
hounds, and has recently had erected on the 
estate some commodious and well-arranged kennels. 



BOLSOVER CASTLE. 121 

The hounds often meet on the spacious lawn in 
front of the house, and the effect produced by the 
hounds and horsemen — the scarlet coats contrasting 
with the verdant sward and foliage around — is very 
pleasing, and probably few have enjoyed that sight 
more, have heard with keener delight the thrilling 
melody of the hunter's horn, or have oftener partici- 
pated in the exhilarating sport which accompanies 
that sound, than the noble owners of Serlby. 

BOLSOVER CASTLE, 

The famous stronghold of the Peverils, and at one 
time also the princely abode of the Cavendishes, 
stands about nine miles west of Worksop. William 
the Conqueror appointed his son William de Peveril 
governor of the counties of Derby and Nottingham, 
and of the forty-five Manors granted to him, the 
Manor of Bolsover was one, and by him probably 
the Castle was built. 

The Peverils — whose celebrated fortress situated 
on the almost inaccessible rock, commanding and 
overlooking the celebrated and romantic entrance ^j 
to the Peak Cavern, originated their well-known Jf 
title of Peveril of the Peak — retained possession 
of the Manor for three generations. 

The Castle passed from this family to the 
Crown about the year 1190. John becoming King 
a few years later, had it strongly fortified against 
the rebellious barons, and to this date many of 
the remaining fortifications may be ascribed. During 
this king's turbulent reign, it formed a famous 
stronghold. The barons gained possession of it, , 
but it was eventually reduced by the Earl of Derby, 
who thereupon was appointed governor. 

In 1552, Edward VI. leased the manor to Sir 
John Byron. It afterwards passed to the Talbots, 
and thence by purchase to Sir Charles Cavendish, 
father of the first Duke of Newcastle. The building 
was then (16 13), in ruins, but was rebuilt by Sir 
Charles, from designs by Huntingdon Smithson, who 



122 BOLSOVER CASTLE. 

was sent to Italy expressly to collect models for 
the purpose. 

King Charles I. was entertained here and at 
Welbeck on three occasions by the Earl of New- 
castle on a most magnificent scale. 

The Earl of Newcastle fortified Bolsover against 
the Parliamentary troops, but it was eventually 
surrendered to Cromwell's forces, under General 
Crawford, in 1644, the Earl fleeing to Antwerp. 
The fortress was then dismantled and suffered much 
during the civil wars. After the Restoration, the 
Earl, by this time created Duke of Newcastle, 
returned, and endeavoured to restore the shattered 
building, bat this was only partially carried out, 
though sufficient was accomplished to form a 
residence ; and eventually by inter-marriage, this, 
with Welbeck and other estates, passed to the family 
of Bentinck. 

Previous to its surrender and demolition, the 
Castle constituted a noble pile of buildings ; the 
old gallery, the ruins of which still remain, measuring 
220 ft. long by 28 ft. wide, the dining room 78 ft. 
- by 38 ft., and the other apartments being on a similar 
* scale of magnitude. It consists now of two detached 
buildings, one of which the Castle proper, is the 
restoration of the ancient Norman fortress. 

A striking peculiarity is that whilst the modern 
mansion has been almost completely destroyed, 
portions of the ancient castle still remain in a fair 
state of preservation. 

The interior consists principally of small rooms 
wainscotted and inlaid and painted ; the ceiling in 
some cases being richly carved and gilt. The habit- 
able portion, which was until recently occupied by 
the Hon. Mrs. Gray, is now tenantless, and the de- 
serted Castle of other days, though now but a majestic 
ruin, discloses, amidst all its desolation, the superb 
style and magnificent proportions of its former self. 

Of the apartments, the room designated the 
" Star Chamber," is perhaps the most attractive, 
though its other rooms, and indeed almost all this 



HARDWICK HALL. 



123 



ancient castle and its surroundings, are so quaint 
and unique, as to prove of great interest to the 
Visitor. A semi-circular wall of considerable height 
and width surrounds the Castle. 

The gardens adjoining, though not large, are 
exceedingly pretty. Magnificent views, over a wide 
expanse of country, may be had from the terrace ; 
whilst from the elevated ground around the Castle 
the prospect is charming in the extreme. 

In the Parish Church, which is Norman in 
style, with a tower surmounted by a short 
spire, are some beautiful monuments of members of 
the Cavendish family, including one of Sir Charles 
and Lady Cavendish, and one of the Duke of 
Newcastle ; the latter being of a magnificent descrip- 
tion. There are monuments also of several of the 
Dukes of Portland, who were buried with their an- 
cestors in the family vault at Bolsover Church. 

HARDWICK HALL. 

This fine old mansion, which has long been one 
of the favourite seats of the Cavendish family, is 
now the property of the Marquis of Hartington, 
heir to the Dukedom of Devonshire, and is situated 
about four miles south-west of Bolsover, and five 
miles to the north-west of Mansfield. It stands on 
a beautiful and commanding eminence, in a lovely 
park, and is surrounded by some of the most 
charming scenery of that wild and romantic char- 
acter for which Derbyshire is celebrated. 

The Hall is a substantially-built stone structure, 
and is considered one of the finest examples extant 
of pure Elizabethan architecture. It was erected 
by " Bess of Hardwick," in 1587. In form the 
building is oblong,- with six tall massive towers, and 
battlemented parapet pierced with scroll-work, and 
ornamented here and there with the initials of the 
famous Countess, and a coronet. The principal front 
measures about 390 feet, surrounding the entrance 



i2 4 HARDWICK HALL, 

of which is an ancient and very formal flower 
garden of the Elizabethan period. 

Mary Queen of Scots was " detained" at Hard- 
wick, in the charge of the Earl of Shrewsbury, 
and the place abounds in reminiscences of this 
unfortunate queen. The bedroom she occupied, the 
furniture she used, and tapestry bearing her initials are 
all pointed out to the Visitor, but it seems scarcely 
possible that Mary the daughter of Scotland 
resided in the modern mansion, as its erection was 
not completed till the year she was beheaded. 
It is believed that these memorials of her sad 
imprisonment here were removed from the old and 
less pretentious hall, which, more probably, was the 
place of her captivity. Of the noble ruins of this 
former residence, which are situated but a short 
distance from the present building, one room is still 
preserved, and is called the " Giants' Chamber," 
from the two colossal figures over the chimney- 
piece. 

The interior of the mansion comprises many 
magnificent apartments, the largest of which is the 
Picture Gallery, measuring 166 feet in length and 
41 feet in width. Of the very large number of 
paintings which this room possesses, are many 
portraits of the Cavendish family, and amongst 
others there is one of Mary Queen of Scots, and 
one of Georgina, the beautiful Duchess of Devonshire, 
by Gainsborough ; a duplicate of which, it will be 
remembered, disappeared in a very mysterious man- 
ner a few years ago, causing considerable sensation. 
There are also paintings of the Sovereigns of 
England from the time of Henry IV., of the first 
Duke of Devonshire, and Thomas Hobbes. Two 
magnificent chimney-pieces in this apartment are 
worthy of special attention. The windows of this 
gallery are said to contain 27,000 panes of glass, 
which is probably the foundation of the old distich 

" Hard wick Hall 
More glass than wall." 

Of the many other stately rooms, the Presence 



NEW STEAD ABBEY. 125 



Chamber is perhaps the most important. It measures 
65 feet in length and 33 feet in width, with height 
proportionate. This sumptuous apartment is chiefly 
remarkable for its magnificent Gobelin tapestry. 
The Library, Grand Staircase, Dining and other 
rooms, are exceedingly rich in paintings, choice 
furniture, and various articles de luxe, and will prove 
a source of much interest to the Visitor, whilst 
the collection of ancient tapestry contained in them 
can scarcely be equalled. Gray, the poet, and 
Horace Walpole, statesman and satirist, visited 
Hardwick, which was also the abode of Hobbes, 
the philosopher and reputed infidel. 

NEWSTEAD ABBEY. 

Amongst the many interesting places within the 
bounds of the romantic forest of Sherwood, few 
possess such claims upon the attention of the Tourist 
as the abbey-home of Byron ; and indeed few 
places in the kingdom present so many and such 
varied features of attraction as the venerable 
and famous Abbey described by Irving as " one 
of the finest specimens in existence of those 
quaint romantic piles, half-castle, half-convent, which 
remain as monuments of the olden time in England." 

Newstead Abbey is situated about four miles 
south-west of Mansfield, and may therefore readily 
be reached by road ; whilst Linby station, on the 
Midland Line, is about two-and-a-half miles, and a 
private station on the same line about a-mile-and- 
a-half, distant from the Abbey. Permission to 
alight at the latter station must be procured from 
the owner of the mansion, W. F. Webb, Esq. 

The Abbey of Newstead was erected and richly 
endowed about the year 11 74, by Henry II., and 
dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was occupied 
by Black Canons of the order of S. Augustine. 
King John and succeeding kings confirmed and 
enlarged the territories and privileges granted to 
the monks. Along with other religious houses it 



126 NEW STEAD ABBEY. 

was dissolved by Henry VIII., on July ist, 1539, 
after an existence of 359 years, and was granted 
by that rapacious monarch to Sir John Byron, of 
Colwick, Lieutenant of Sherwood Forest, who con- 
verted the saintly edifice into a castellated dwelling, 
and it ultimately became his favourite residence. 
A great grandson and namesake of his, Sir John 
Byron, who was a staunch adherent of King Charles 
I., garrisoned Newstead during the civil wars, and for 
his loyalty was raised to the peerage, in 1643. 
On the death of King Charles the estates were 
sequestrated by parliament, but on Charles II. suc- 
ceeding to the throne, Newstead was restored to 
the Byrons. The estate suffered considerably at 
the hands of the fifth Lord Byron (surnamed "the 
Wicked''), who not only allowed the Abbey and 
grounds to fall into decay, but destroyed the 
whole of the majestic timber upon the estate, as well 
as a noble herd of deer, consisting of 2,700 head. 
On the death of this notorious character, in May, 
1794, the title and estate passed to one whose as- 
sociation with Newstead has added a celebrity and 
interest to that venerable pile which ages can never 
efface — George Gordon Byron, the most famous of 
modern poets. He was but six years of age when 
he succeeded to the title, and during his minority 
the Abbey was occupied by Lord Grey de Ruthyn. 
When Lord Byron, in 1808, commenced to reside 
there, he found it in a very dilapidated condition, 
and at once set about its restoration. 

In his elegy on Newstead Abbey, how touch- 
ingly does he deplore its condition, in the following 
lines : — 

" Newstead ! what saddening scene of change is thine ! 
Thy yawning arch betokens sure decay ; 
The last and youngest of a noble line, 
Now holds thy mouldering turrets in his sway." 

During his residence at Newstead the poet's 
mode of life was characterised by that remarkable 
eccentricity and unlimited licence which was ever 



NEW STEAD ABBEY. 



127 



a striking feature during the whole of his eventful 
career. 

The latter part of Lord Byron's life was spent 
in the chivalrous attempt to regenerate unhappy 
Greece, which attempts terminated, as all know, in 
his death in Western Greece, on the 19th April, 
1824, at the age of 36. His remains were brought 
to England, and interred in the family vault at 
Hucknall Torkard, about three miles from Newstead. 

After having been in the possession of the 
Byrons for nearly 300 years, the estate passed by 
purchase, in 1818, to Colonel Wildman, the poet's 
friend and schoolfellow, who subsequently laid out 
immense sums in restoration and adornment, and 
otherwise strove to raise the ancient pile to some- 
thing like its former splendour. 

In 1 861, after the Colonel's death, the estate 
came into the possession of the present exemplary 
owner, William Frederick Webb, Esq., who has 
continued the renovation of the Abbey until it has 
reached its present grandeur, and who, like his 
predecessor, has proved a generous conservator of 
the poet's last wish, and has ever treated with 
the utmost regard the historic associations of the 
poet's home. 

Space does not permit of our attempting to de- 
scribe the many interesting features which Newstead 
presents to the appreciative Visitor, but suffice it 
to say that the venerable Abbey and its hallowed 
precincls abound in reminiscences of one whose 
transcendent genius and ardent love of liberty 
caused his name to resound throughout the civilised 
world; whilst the magnificent apartments, filled with 
choice and costly curiosities, fine paintings, antique 
furniture, etc., though, far too numerous here to 
particularize, will prove a mine of interest and 
pleasure to those who visit Newstead. 




ROBIN HOOD. 

SjKfiN descanting on the beauties of Sherwood 
feljj Forest, no description would be complete 
ajjJs without some reference, however brief, to 
" the most humane and the prince of all robbers." 
Enjoying the enviable luxury of roaming about 
the vast domains of the forest at his own free 
will, doing and taking whatsoever he thought well, 
without let or hindrance, Robin Hood has insepar- 
ably linked his name with that of " Merrie Sher- 
wood." 

About the beginning of the thirteenth century, 
Robert Fitzoothes, of noble lineage, was born at 
Loxley Chase, near Sheffield. Then, as now 7 , proper 
names seldom remained long uncorrupted in the 
hands of the canaille, and in this instance the 
original Fitzoothes was transformed to Hode, although 
little analog)' in sound is apparent between the 
two. This, in the course of time, was further changed 
to Hood. Robin Hood, he w r as therefore styled, and 
w T ill continue to be as the centuries roll on. 

It has been averred, and with some show of 
reason, that Robin Hood was in reality one of the 
Earls of Huntingdon, and that his eccentric de- 
parture from aristocratic life was the outcome of 
his intense hatred of the Norman oppressors of 
the Saxons, and that the forest life adopted by 
him and his " Merrie Men," was, in the words of 
an able writer, " A positive stand against the dom- 
inancy of the Normans ; that in fact, his predatory 



ROBIN HOOD. 129 

attacks upon them were but the national efforts of 
one who endeavoured to remove the proud foot of 
a conqueror from the neck of his countrymen." 

He took to the forest fastnesses in Barnesdale, 
Yorkshire ; Sherwood, Nottinghamshire ; and Plomp- 
ton, Cumberland, setting king and law at defiance. 
After a time he gathered around him a hundred 
boon companions, skilful with bow and arrow, and 
bold as they were skilled. Amongst the most 
notorious were " Little John" (surnamed Naylor) ; 
William Scadlock or Scarlet ; Friar Tuck (chaplain 
to the bold fraternity) ; and Maid Marian, of whom 
Robin Hood was enamoured, and who seems to 
have followed his fortunes in the greenwood. 

From the most authentic sources we learn that 
the company only made war upon the rich and 
the oppressors, and that the poor and needy found 
in Robin a doughty protector. Be this as it may, 
the name of Robin Hood has, we believe, for a 
period well on to 600 years, been regarded rather 
as a subject for noble admiration than as a 
target for the arrows of calumny. 

After indulging in this romantic life for a 
number of years, and during which a reward had 
been offered for his apprehension, he betook himself 
to Kirklees Priory, Yorkshire, in order to be 
medically treated for his infirmities. As was the 
custom in those days, and for long afterwards, 
blood-letting was esteemed a sine qua 11011 in the 
treatment of ailments, legion in number and 
often the most diverse in their natures. Unfortu- 
nately for the hero of Sherwood, the Prioress of 
the Kirklees establishment not only adopted this 
questionable remedial means, but, at the instigation 
of Sir Roger of Doncaster, she treacherously al- 
lowed her patient to bleed to death ; and this not- 
withstanding the fact that Robin Hood was her 
blood-relation, and naturally had every claim upon 
her affection and mercy. We are told that the 
bandage applied around Robin's elbow by the 
Prioress in the first instance had been removed 



i 3 o ROBIN HOOD. 



while he slept, resulting in a renewed and contin- 
uous escape of blood. On aw T aking to consciousness, 
Robin discovered that he was rapidly bleeding to 
death, and that his remaining strength was not 
even now sufficient to enable him to keep up 
sustained pressure on the bleeding point. With a 
great effort, however, he reached the door of the 
apartment, but finding this locked, he suspected 
that he had been the viclim of foul play. Not- 
withstanding his ever-increasing exhaustion, we are 
informed that the poor fellow T contrived to blow 
three weak blasts from his horn. His old bosom 
friend Little John — who, not being permitted to 
enter the Priory, had been anxiously hovering 
about in the vicinity — hearing the well-known 
sounds, and apprehending danger, forced his way 
into the building, and clearing every obstruction, 
halted not until he had entered the apartment of 
his dying leader. Naylor was horror-stricken at. 
the sight, and bursting into tears, besought Robin's 
permission to summon the outlaw band, with the 
object: of burning the Nunnery to the ground. To 
this request, however, Robin would not accede, 
and the reason for his refusal, and the directions 
he gave for his interment, are set forth in the 
following lines : — 



" I never hurt fair maid in all my time, 

Nor at my end shall it be ; 
But take my bent bow in thy hand ; 

And a broad arrow let thou flee ; 
And where this arrow is taken up, 

There shall my grave digged be." 

The arrow fell near to S. Ann's Well, and 
Little John, well-nigh heart-broken, carried out the 
dying washes of his beloved friend in every par- 
ticular. 

Thus ended the career of Robin Hood, leaving 
behind him a name which will be handed down 
through generations to come, when the monuments 
of many illustrious men have crumbled to decay, 
and their memory is entombed in oblivion. 





THE FLORA OF THE DISTRICT. 

By the Rev. Hilderic Friend, f.l.s. 

r JE are greatly indebted to the Rev. Hilderic 
Friend, Fellow of the Linnaean Society, 
^JKf^j^ for the following excellent description of the 
botanical beauties of Sherwood. Its subjecft-matter 
will neither be above the comprehension of the gene- 
ral reader, nor below the interests of the student of 
Botanical Science, in which department Mr. Friend 
is a well-known ornament, and to the pathological 
section of which he has been no mean contributor : — 

Every season has its charms for the lover of Nature, but 
there are occasions on which her dress and adornings can 
be seen to greater perfection and profusion. Hence, while even 
winter affords abundant opportunities for the study of plants of 
peculiar interest, spring, summer, and autumn are the seasons in 
which the eyes are to be feasted, and the senses pleased with a 
wealth of foliage and blossom. Any Visitor to the district from 
the " merrie month of May" onward to October, will find a rich 
profusion of wild plants of various kinds upon which to lavish 
his admiration, and from which he may derive much pleasure. 
Some of the plants are rare, others are more or less uncommon, 
while many of course are cosmopolitan. It must be remember- 
ed that the Flora of any locality depends largely upon the 
geology and physical geography. Worksop occupies a central 
position of unusual interest in this respect. Streams are 
numerous, and supply us with a great variety of plants, 
while the banks and waters of the Canal are rich in water- 
loving species. To the south of the town the sand yields several 
plants which are almost, if not quite, unknown where there is a 
different surface soil ; while the limestone and coal-measures to 
the north and west yield other flowers peculiar to such formations. 

The earliest flowers include, in addition to those which are 
common everywhere, the little Adoxa, the green Hellebore, the 
Celandine — covered in many instances with tw T o or three diseases 



i 3 2 FLORA OF THE DISTRICT. 

of unusual interest and beauty — the sweet violet, dog violet, and 
hairy violet ; the wood anemone, whitlow grass, woodcress and 
lady smock ; then come the pretty, delicate woodsorrel (Oxalis), 
Herb-paris, hybrid oxlip — often with curious sporting forms — barren 
strawberry, with golden rust, the pretty purple-anthered bitter- 
cress {Card, amava) and other related forms. The common colts- 
foot, with its bright, golden blossoms, is the harbinger of several 
plants with yellow flowers, the most noteworthy being the rare 
Gagea, and the two species of golden saxifrage (Chrysosplenium), 
which in some sheltered spots are unusually vigorous and 
beautiful, and the primrose, which is plentiful in some of the 
woods, though seldom seen on the. sand. The butterbur 
(Petasites) is common in some parts, and is of special interest to 
the microscopists, since it is the host of a very rare fungus, 
which so. far has only been found in one other place in England. 

As the season progresses, the marsh marigold, (Caltha), 
goldilocks or wood-crowfoot (R. auricomus), ladysmantle pimper- 
nel, several of the speedwells, the arum, yellow archangel, blue 
hyacinth with albino variety, and many other plants come under 
observation. The shrubs and trees are a special feature in 
June, when the beauties of the hawthorn, rowan, chestnut, 
(both edible and horse), beech, elder — with heavy bunches of 
fragrant bloom — and blackthorn are in their prime, while the 
famous oaks and birches are then to be seen to perfection. Amongst 
this group of plants one finds, something later in the year, 
the cornel or dogwood, spindle-tree (Euonymus), buckthorn, 
and guelder-rose. The mealy guelder-rose (V. Lantana), is rare, 
as is also the old man's beard (Clematis Vitalba), but the fact, 
that they occur in the district is of considerable interest to the 
student of topographical botany. Several forms of the wild-rose 
are to be seen adorning hedgerow and woodland ; the barberry 
with its classical bright is still surviving the farmer's hatchet 
in a few spots ; the whortleberry, the gooseberry, currant, 
raspberry, blackberry, straw r berry, and other fruits are common 
in many of the woods and copses. 

To give a full list of flowers which may be found during 
the summer months, when Visitors more particularly frequent 
this interesting neighbourhood, would be impossible ; we must 
therefore be content to name those of special interest. By the 
waterside one may find the common meadow rue (T. flavum), 
the ivy-leaved crowfoot, and the lesser spearwort, while the 
long-leaved water buttercup (R. fluitans) comes to great perfection 
in the stream which flows through the town. In several 
places, including Anston Crags, the Columbine makes a rich 
show, while the lily of the valley sheds its fragrance on the 
woodland air. The yellow water-lily may be said to be fairly 
common, while the white Nymphaea is to be seen in the Clumber 
lake and elsewhere. Three species of poppy are found, Papaver 
dubium and Rhceas being common, Argemone rare. The yellow- 
sapped celandine or swallow-wort (Chelidonium), is common 
near some of the villages, and by the streams the purple 



FLORA OF THE DISTRICT. 133 



loosestrife (Ly thrum) rears its noble head. 

Among the Crucifers we find some interesting forms, the 
choicest of which, perhaps, is the shepherd's cress (Teesdalia) 
which delights in the sand, and is abundant where it occurs. 
On the limestone we find the rock-rose, wild mignonette, milk- 
wort, bladder campion and knotted spurrey each with its peculiar 
charm. The ragged robin, red and white campion, and corn- 
cockle are pretty representatives of the Pink Tribe. A few 
spots of special interest are to be found in the district by 
those who wish to work it carefully, and in the autumn par- 
ticularly these spots will well repay a visit. When we state 
that in August and September the Grass of Parnassus, the bog 
pimpernel, knotted spurrey, water-dropwort, carline and stemless 
thistles, lousewort, teasle, mountain flax, wood everlasting, and 
lady's tresses are but a few of the special forms, it will be 
seen that a little leisure may be well employed here. 

Among the Orchids we have our share of treasures. The 
spotted form, the bee, fly, and butterfly, the pyramidalis, 
and others are not uncommon. Solomon's seal occurs but not 
nearer than Pleasley, probably. To visit the shady woods 
and waterside once more w r e find the common herb-bennet or 
avens, with her graceful sisters (rivale and intermedium), the 
water mint, crisped and other pond weeds, yellow 7 iris, tansy, 
bay-leaved willow, several species of dock, the greater skull- 
cap, self heal (Prunella), pennyroyal, gipsy wort, arrowhead, 
flowering rush, bulrush, reedmace, water plantain, bur-reed and 
arrow-grass. The crow-garlic is uncommon, while acres of 
ramsons may be found near Shireoaks, on which two or three 
interesting diseases find support. 

Mention must also be made of the occasional appearance 
of the henbane, and the perennial growth in one place of the 
valuable but baneful nightshade. The fleabane and ploughman's 
spikenard (Conyza), the dysentery-weed (P. dysenterica) and sneeze- 
wort, the yellow corn-marigold and ox-eye daisy are found 
among the composites, together with the mugwort, cudweed, 
six species of groundsel or ragwort, the chicory, nipplewort — 
with at least four forms of micro-disease — the goat's-beard, 
wall lettuce, and other representatives of that large order. 
The sheep's scabious (Jasione), hair bell and giant bell-flower 
are common, while the nettle-leaved species grows at Pleasley— 
a spot of more than usual interest, though somewhat beyond 
the bounds of our district. 

The greater and lesser periwinkles alike occur, but each is 
somewhat local. The same may be said of the pretty yellow- 
wort (Chlora), and buckbean (Meny ant lies), gentian (G. Amarella), 
and two species of centaury, plants of unusual interest. These 
cannot, however, be regarded as rare, though they are by no 
means common outside certain limited areas. The bugloss is 
very common on the sand, while by the waterside the beautiful 
forget-me-not (M . palustris), often grows in rich profusion. In the 
w 7 oods we find the curious tooth wort (Lathr^a), in all its vigour, 



i 3 4 FLORA OF THE DISTRICT. 

together with the showy foxglove and great mullein, the lesser 
snapdragon (A. Orontium) and yellow toadflax. The ivy-leaved 
toadflax is rare, but may occasionally be found on old walls in 
company with the wall-rue fern and the wall saxifrage 
(S. tridactylites). The curious wood-sage, the betony, and the bugle 
(Ajuga), are common. 

Having glanced briefly at the most striking among the 
flowering plants, we may turn for a moment to those which are 
known as Cryptogams — the ferns, grasses, mosses and fungi in 
particular. Though not rich in ferns, the district supplies some 
twenty different kinds, including in addition to the common 
bracken, hartstongue and polypody, the curious adder's tongue, 
the bladder fern (Cystopteris fragilis) — found in the Crags at 
Anston — the hard-fern (Blechnum), the spleenwort, and the male- 
fern. The rare moonwort, (Botrychium) has frequently been stated 
to grow near Edwinstowe, but there is no recent trustworthy 
record, and there is evidence that in some Floras the place 
Rufford has been confused with a person of that name. The 
club-moss and the marc o-tail, (quite distinct from the common 
horse-tail), are found here and there, but the former is much 
more rare than formerly, if report may be trusted. 

The reed canary-grass, sweet vernal-grass, the cat's-tail grass, 
Timothy grass, fox-tail grass, mat-grass, soft-grass, (Holms) oat- 
grass, the pretty melic (M . uniflora), meadow-grass, with the 
wood species (Poa nemoralis), flote-grass, hard-grass (Schlerochloa), 
quaxing-grass, dog's-tail grass, fescue-grass, brome and several 
others are found. While the bog-mosses (Sphagnum) are rare, 
the walls, rocks, banks, tree stumps and woods supply us 
with a rich collection. Enclypta is rare but pretty ; three or 
four species of Polytrichum occur, with several Tortulas and 
the like ; but as the mosses have scarcely come to be known, 
as yet, by popular names, it is difficult to speak of them with- 
out giving an unintelligible list of difficult names. 

Few districts in the country are richer in Fungi — mushrooms 
and toadstools as they are usually called. Many of these — 
as for example the poisonous fly-agaric (A . muscarins) — are very 
showy ; others are remarkable for their large size, their edible 
properties, or their microscopical dimensions. The stinkhorn is 
common, as is also the somewhat similarly-shaped morel. 
The edible Helvella and the meat-like Fistulina are to be found 
from time to time, but the lesser stinkhorn (Cynophalliis) is 
somewhat rare, while the Clathrus has so far eluded our search. 
The bright Russulas make a lovely show in the autumn under 
the beech trees, where they are accompanied by many other 
genera of gilled and porous fungi. Much attention has recently 
been given to those minute forms of plant life known as micro- 
fungi, and those who are interested in this subject could scarcely 
find a richer district than this. Parasitic forms are found on 
various species of buttercup, on the anemone, adoxa, campion 
and polygonum blossoms, wheat, various grasses, and a host 
of other plants. 



FLORA OF THE DISTRICT. 135 

In conclusion we give the names of two or three unusually 
interesting plants for the specialist. Among the phanerogams 
we find Parnassia polustris, Atropa Belladonna, Claytonia perfoliata, 
and the henbane casually ; the bee and fly orchids, the buckbean, 
columbine Cardamine amara, Butomus umbellatus, Anthyllis, Lily-of- 
the-Valley, spurge-laurel plentiful in some places, money-wort, 
buckhorn plantain, Primula variabilis, rose-bay, water-lily, bog 
pimpernel, golden saxifrage (two species), yellow archangel and 
woodruff. Considerable interest attaches to the fad that a 
new British alga has recently been found {Hildenbrantia rivularis) 
at Elksley, Anston, and Carlton, and to this we add Chondrioderma 
Cookei, Rost., a rare micro-fungus found on the butterbur. 
(Petasites), Puccinia Campanula, Ramularia Lapsance, Podisoma Sabince, 
the three species of Rcestelia, a great variety of Cluster-cups 
and many other plants. For further details we must of course 
refer to the lists which have been published elsewhere. 
Enough has been said to shew that the district will not only 
afford pleasure to the casual observer of. Nature, but will also 
find the specialist a good deal of really valuable and interesting 
work. 





RAMBLES AND RIDES THROUGH 
SHERWOOD. 



DRIVES. 

On the accompanying Map is indicated, by a dark line, 
the most comprehensive tour for Visitors who are obliged to 
limit their visit to one day. For those who intend to make a length- 
ened sojourn, the following list of tours through Sherwood Forest 
will be found of service. It is compiled for the assistance of 
strangers, and the distances are computed from the town of 
Worksop. 

i. — To Clumber, v ia Park street. Leaving Clumber House, pass 
the bridge over the Lake, to Xormanton Inn, thence by Hardwick 
and Manton. Circuit n miles. 

2. — To Thoresby, via Clumber; thence by "Buck Gates" 
and Bilhagh to Budby and Carburton. Circuit 19 miles. 

3. — Same as Xo. 2. to " Buck Gates," thence to Ollerton, Rufford 
Abbey, Edwinstowe, " Major Oak," Budby and Carburton. Circuit 
25 mihs. 

4. — To Cresswell Crags and Markland Grips, returning by 
Whitwell and Darfoulds. Circuit about 12 miles. 

5. — To Welbeck by turnpike, through short tunnel, thence to 
Cresswell Crags, Markland Grips and Whitwell. Circuit about 
14 miles. 

6. — To Checker House by turnpike, thence over railway 
crossing, via Apley Head to Xormanton Inn and Clumber 
House, and return through park. Circuit about 17 miles. 

7. — To Clumber, thence by Carburton Lakes to Cuckney and 
Welbeck, and return through short tunnel and by turnpike. Circuit 
about 14 miles. 

8. — To Roche Abbey via Carlton, Oldcoates. and Firbeck 
Hall, returning by Anston, Lindrick, and Gateford. Circuit 
about 20 miles. 



PLEASANT WALKS. 137 

9. — Same as No. 8, but after passing Firbeck Hall, proceed 
through Sandbeck Park to Roche Abbey, about 22 miles. 

10. — To Bolsover Castle by Cresswell Crags and Elmton, 
returning by Cuckney and Welbeck. Circuit about 22 miles. 

11. — To Hodsock Priory by Carlton, returning by Blyth — 
or vice versa. Circuit about 15 miles. 

12.— To Osberton by Kilton and Rayton, returning by Scofton 
and Thievesdale-lane ; about 9 miles. Or to Osberton by Manton 
and turnpike — similar distance. 

13. — To Hard wick Hall and Bolsover Castle. Train to 
Mansfield, from which Hard wick is seven miles. Arrangements 
for vehicles to perform the journey from the Swan Hotel, 
Mansfield, can be made at the Lion Hotel, Worksop. 

14. — To Newstead Abbey. Train to Mansfield. Take conveyance 
at Swan Hotel, Mansfield, where tickets to view the Abbey on 
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays may also be obtained ; or 
the journey may be made by train to Linby (2! miles from the 
Abbey. Distance 4 miles from Mansfield. 

In compiling the above list of Drives, our endeavour has 
been to so arrange them as to embody within their limits the 
chief features of attraction. The routes are, however, as 
susceptible to change as the tastes of Tourists are varied. 
A reference to the pages of the Guide and to the accompanying 
Map will doubtless readily enable the Visitor to decide upon 
the choice of routes. — See page 4 (Introductory). 



PLEASANT WALKS. 

i. — Proceed up Sparken Hill, about ij miles from town take 
carriage road to left through wood to Trueman's Lodge gates, 
straight to Clumber, thence along road to right, over bridge and 
direct to Patrick's Lodge, then turn to left and continue along 
the border lane till you emerge into broad road, where turn again 
to left, and you immediately see sign of Normanton Inn, having 
passed which continue straight to Checker House railway station ; 
circuit about 10 miles. 

2. — Same as above, to Normanton Inn, straight road past Apley 
Head lodge till you arrive at five cross roads, here take first turn to 
left between woods, and thence via Manton Lodge, near which 
turn to right and continue via Manton farm, straight to Worksop ; 
circuit about 12 miles ; or after arriving at Apley Head lodge, turn 
through gates and proceed down avenue, until, arriving at first 
cross roads, you turn to right along avenue, and through wood and 
Manton Lodge gates, and thence via Manton to Worksop ; circuit 
about 11 miles ; or after passing through Apley Head lodge gates, 
proceed to extremity of avenue, where turn to right and along 
road and through Trueman's Lodge gates on to turnpike, and 
straight to Worksop ; circuit about 12 miles. 



138 PLEASANT WALKS. 

3. — Same as No. 1 to Trueman's Lodge gates, but instead of 
passing through them, take path to left through wood, until 
telephone wire is reached, which follow along footpath to Worksop ; 
circuit about 5J miles. 

4. — Same as No. 1 to Patrick's Lodge, where turn to right, and 
continue along border lane till turnpike is reached, where again 
turn to right, and follow telegraph wire along turnpike to Worksop ; 
circuit about 11 J miles. 

5. — Down Westgate, take first turn to left called " Slack Walk," 
and continue along road and footpath over fields, past Castle farm, 
then through wood to South Lodge near entrance to Welbeck 
tunnel, where turn to left along " Drinking Pit " lane, till turn- 
pike road is reached, where turn to the left again and proceed 
straight to Worksop ; circuit about 6 miles. 

6. — Same as No. 5 to tunnel entrance, but turn to right along 
broad lane till Mansfield turnpike is reached, where turn to right 
again and continue direct to Worksop ; circuit about 7 miles. 

7. — Same as No. 5, but proceed through tunnel, and bear to the 
right ; after leaving tunnel, take road to right, cross turnpike, 
and continue straight to Cresswell Crags, and through village to 
Markland Grips, and back by rail from Cresswell ; Cresswell is 
distant about 5 miles. 

8. — Along Carlton road, over railway crossing, straight for 
about 3j miles to Carlton ; take first road to left in Carlton as far 
as Mill, near which a footpath conducts you across fields to Gate- 
ford, thence straight road to Worksop : circuit about 7 miles. 

9. — Same as No. 8 to Carlton, through which proceed to North 
Carlton till you arrive at the green, where take first road past two 
small old stone houses to Hodsock Priory, thence by road to right, 
along which proceed for about a mile till you reach turnpike, where 
again turn to right, and continue straight to Worksop ; circuit 
about ti miles. 

10. — Along Carlton road, and having crossed railway, take first 
turn to right, up Blyth road, and continue till small plantation 
near farm house is reached, where turn to right and pass Kilton 
wood on left, under railway arch and along Kilton road to Worksop ; 
circuit about 4 miles. 

11. — Under Priory Gatehouse and along Kilton road (to the right) 
and shortly turn to left under railway arch, and along Blyth road, 
passing Kilton Wood on right, and continue past large house and 
grounds (Forest Hill) on left, until 4 cross roads are reached, where 
take one to the right (a grassy lane), and proceed for about 1^ miles 
till you reach lodge at entrance of Osberton Park. Here turn to 
left up " Hundred Acre" lane, and you will emerge into Blyth road, 
where turn to left again and proceed straight to Worksop ; circuit 
about 8 miles. Or, shortly before arriving at Osberton Park lodge, 
take bridal path on right and across fields to end of Kilton wood, 
whence proceed as in case of No. 10 to Worksop; circuit about 7 miles. 



PLEASANT WALKS. 139 

12. — Same as No. 11 to Osberton Park lodge, ask to enter 
through gates, and continue through park to Scofton, where take 
road to right and continue over fields and road by Rayton, and 
having passed under railway arch near Kilton farm, immediately 
turn to right, and shortly again to left, over canal bridge and along 
Cheapside to Worksop ; circuit about 9 miles. 

13. — Along Retford road for about 3 miles, where on the left is 
entrance to Osberton Park, through gates of which ask to enter, and 
proceed straight along road till you arrive near to the Hall, where 
turn to left through gate, and proceed along side of canal and 
across fields to Scofton, whence return to Worksop as described in 
No. 12 ; circuit about 8 miles. 

14. — Along Sandy Lane to Woodend, take road to right, over 
railway bridge and across railway, to Gateford Common, turn to 
left and along road through Shireoaks Wood, past Colliery, to 
railway station, thence past church, over style on right near mill, 
along footpath over fields to canal "lock" near turnpike, which 
latter take as far as brickyards, thence over steep canal bridge, turn 
round and go under bridge, along towing path for short distance, over 
s tiles on right to turnpike leading to Worksop ; circuit about 6 miles. 

15. — Along Chesterfield road and take first turn to right called 
" Stubbing lane " and follow footpath until canal is reached, where 
turn to left and over bridge to the right ; then turn to left again and 
pass Woodend, and under railway bridge, just after passing which 
is canal " lock," which cross, and proceed along side of wood, over 
stile and along path to Shireoaks ; directly after passing church, 
turn to left and enter by gate on the left, pass Shireoaks Hall, turn 
to right and thence straight to Scratta Wood, by Dumb Hall, 
down lane to Steetley Chapel, whence continue till Chesterfield 
road is reached, where take road to left and straight to Worksop ; 
circuit about 6 miles. 

16. — Walk to Shireoaks as described in No. 15, or by train (2J 
miles), cross railway at station, and down lane to Brancliffe Grange, 
Moses' seat, Lindrick Dale, and Anston Stones, whence 
proceed to Kiveton Park Station ; or from Anston Stones by turn- 
pike direct to Worksop. Anston to Worksop, 6 miles; Anston to 
Kiveton Park, about ij miles ; Kiveton Park to Worksop by rail, 4J 
miles. 

17. — Train to Kiveton Park Station (4J miles), walk to Thorpe- 
Salvin and Netherthorpe by Scratta W T ood and Dumb Hall, thence 
as described in No. 15. 

18. — Along Chesterfield road, turn through gate to right just past 
Mill, and along Dam side, past Manor Cottage, and over fields and 
stiles till road is reached, where turn to right, pass Lodge Farm, on 
to Lady Lee quarry, down lane to Haggonfields, turn to left and 
pass under railway bridge, and continue past Magnesia Works and 
Steetley stone quarries for a short distance, till on the right you see 
farm house, with Steetley Chapel, amidst trees, close by ; continue 
along road till Chesterfield turnpike is reached, where turn to left, 
and continue straight to Worksop ; circuit about 6 miles, 






A CELEBRATED COUNTESS. 



DESCENT OF THE " DUKERIES ' 
OWNERS. 



AND THEIR 



|ESS of Hardwick" was the familiar sobriquet of Elizabeth, 
Countess of Shrewsbury, one of the most remarkable women 
who have ever created a sensation in fashionable society. As her 
history is intimately connected with that of the noble houses which 
have been reared in the heart of Sherwood, a brief biography of 
the Countess may not be out of place, and will afford some pleasure 
to the reader as he pursues his tour through the " Dukeries." 

Elizabeth was the daughter of Squire Hardwick, of Hardwick, 
in Derbyshire ; and in 1534, when she was only 14 years old, she 
married Robert Barley of Barley, in Derbyshire. Not long after, 
he died, leaving his widow a large interest in his estates, which 
descended to his heir. 

Her widowhood lasted 12 years, when she became the 
wife of Sir William Cavendish, who had already been married 
twice. His possessions were in Hertfordshire, but the indomitable 
will and fascinating charms of the widow Barley prevailed upon 
him to sell these and purchase Chatsworth. Lady Cavendish 
seems to have been imbued with a love of building houses, and it is 
probably due to the development of this taste to an extraordinary 
degree that we owe the existence of the magnificent mansions within 
the precincts of Sherwood Forest. There was an old house at 
Chatsworth, but Bess of Hardwick determined that it should be 
demolished. This took place, and Sir William set about building 
a new one, which, however, was not finished when he died, and its 
completion rested in the hands of his widow, by whom he had issue 
three sons and three daughters. 

For a third time, she married Sir William St. Loe, 
Captain of the Guard to the Queen. Her influence over this 
gallant officer was such that he so far disinherited his own 
family as to settle upon her his estates. 

George Talbot, sixth Earl of Shrewsbury, was the next who fell 
within the wiles of this wonderful woman. He was perhaps the most 
important nobleman in the kingdom, still, without stipulation, Bess 
of Hardwick declined to bestow her fair person upon him. She 




Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury. 
(From a Painting at Welbeck Abbey). 



142 DESCENT OF THE "DUKERIES." 

insisted upon two matches between the Earl's heir and her 
daughter, Mary Cavendish, and between her son and his daughter, 
as the price of her own hand. The Earl, however, was captivated 
by her bewitching charms, and they were married. Shortly after- 
wards, he became the guardian of Mary Queen of Scots ; and with 
the foibles of two such imperious women his attention must have 
been well occupied. He succumbed in 1590, the Countess sur- 
viving him 17 years. William Cavendish, her second son, was 
created Baron Cavendish ; his great grandson becomiDg Duke of 
Devonshire. 

With the children and grand-children of this celebrated 
Countess, the pedigrees of the Dukes of Newcastle, Fortland, 
Devonshire and Norfolk, and the Earl Manvers are closely con- 
nected, and we purpose tracing them briefly, commencing with the 

DESCENT OF THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE.— Another 
son of Bess of Hardwick was Charles Cavendish, who bought 
the Estates of W T elbeck and Bolsover. His son was raised 
to the peerage as Baron Ogle and Viscount Mansfield in 1620, and 
Earl, Marquis and Duke of Newcastle, in 1644. He was a strong 
partisan of Charles I. during the time of the civil war, and was one 
of his most skilful and devoted commanders. His literary effort on 
"Horsemanship" has also made him famous, and the capacious 
old Riding School at W'elbeck was erecled by him. His son 
Henry, married the daughter of W 7 illiam Pierrepont, of Thoresby, 
and dying without male heirs, in 1691, the dukedom became extinct. 
He left several daughters, however, one of whom — Lady Margaret — 
married John Holies, Earl of Clare, and the dukedom was revived 
in his favour, in 1691. This nobleman was made warden of Sher- 
wood, and was empowered to enclose land at Clumber for royal 
purposes. He had an only daughter, Lady Henrietta Cavendish 
Holies, who married the Earl of Oxford ; therefore the Duke left his 
Clumber property to Thomas, Lord Pelham, his sister's son, who 
took the name of Holies, and was descended, through the Pierreponts 
from Bess of Hardwick. The Pelhams at this time were very 
powerful in the government of the country. Thomas Pelham 
Holles was created Duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in 1715. His 
brother Henry was subsequently Prime Minister, and it was to his 
heirs that the title was to descend with special remainder. The 
statesman died without male heirs, and a fresh patent of the 
dukedom of Newcastle-under-Lyme with remainder to the heirs of 
his sister Lucy, was granted to Thomas Pelham Holles. Lucy 
Pelham married Henry Clinton, Earl of Lincoln, whose ancestor 
was Chamberlain of Normandy. His three sons came over to 
England with the Conqueror, who conferred the lordship of Clinton 
or Climton (in Oxfordshire) on one of them, Renebald, whose 
descendant married Lucy Pelham. By him she had George and 
Henry, eighth and ninth Earls. Henry succeeded to the Earldom 
on his brother's death, and married Catherine Pelham, daughter of 
the statesman, Henry Pelham. On the demise of his uncle, Thomas 
Pelham Holles, in 1768, he came into the title as second Duke of 
Newcastle-under-Lyme. 



DESCENT OF THE "DUKERIES." 143 

Thomas Fiennes Pelham Clinton, third Duke and tenth 
Earl, son of the second Duke, married the daughter of William, 
Earl of Harrington. His Grace was a lieutenant-general in the 
army, and, as Earl of Lincoln, was elected m.p. for Westminster, in 
1774, and in 1781 for East Retford. He was succeeded by his son, 

Henry Pelham Pelham-Clinton, fourth Duke, kg., who 
married Georgina, daughter of Edward Miller Mundy, Esq., of 
Shipley. He died in 1851, and was succeeded by his son, 

Henry Fiennes Pelham-Clinton, fifth Duke, who was born 
in 181 1. He married Lady Susan Douglas, only daughter of the 
tenth Duke of Hamilton and Brandon. The fifth Duke will best 
be remembered as a high-minded statesman, who was placed in a 
very difficult position during the Crimean war. He was m.p. for 
South Notts., in 1832, and subsequently for the Falkirk Burghs. 
He succeeded to the Dukedom in 1851, and in Lord Aberdeen's 
administration became Colonial Secretary and Secretary for war. 
He died suddenly, on October 18th, 1864, and was succeeded by 
his son, 

Henry Pelham Alexander Pelham-Clinton, who was m.p. 
for Newark. The sixth Duke married, in 1861, Henrietta Adela, 
daughter of Henry Thomas Hope, Esq., of Deepdene, Surrey ; 
he died in February, 1879, leaving his son and heir, 

Henry Pelham Pelham Archibald Douglas, who was born 
on the 22nd September, 1864. A long minority was therefore before 
the seventh Duke, before he succeeded to the estates. His coming 
of age was celebrated with great rejoicings in April, 1886, and by 
his speeches on that occasion, and his subsequent public career, 
he has given strong evidence that he will ever keep before him the 
spirit of the family motto : "Loyaulte n % a honte " — Loyalty knows no 
shame. 

DESCENT OF THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.— As we 
have seen in the pedigree of His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, the 
direct descendant of Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury, in the 
person of Lady Henrietta Cavendish Holies, married Edward 
Harley, second Earl of Oxford. They had an only daughter, 
Lady Margaret, who married William Bentinck, second Duke of 
Portland. Her portion of her grandfather's property comprised 
Welbeck and Bolsover, the former of which henceforth became 
the seat of the Dukes of Portland. 

The Bentincks are descended from a noble and ancient family 
which flourished for many generations in the province of Overyssel, 
in the Netherlands. The first who established himself in England 
was high in the confidence of William of Orange, who employed 
him in many delicate affairs of state. When William and Mary 
came to the throne of England, William Bentinck was created, 
in 1689, Earl of Portland, with other titles. 

The Earl's son was made Marquis of Titchfield and Duke of 
Portland in 1716, and the latter's son, the second Duke, acquired 
Welbeck, as we have seen, through the hand of Lady Margaret 
Cavendish Harley. From these progenitors the title and estates 
have dire&ly descended to their heirs. 



144 DESCENT OF THE "DUKERIES:' 

The third Duke was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and twice 
Prime Minister of England. . He married the only daughter of 
the Duke of Devonshire, and was succeeded by his eldest son, 

William Henry Cavendish Scott Bentinck, fourth Duke, 
born 1768 ; he married Henrietta, eldest daughter of Major- 
General John Scott, a descendant of Baliol and Bruce, the Scot- 
tish heroes. Of this marriage there were four sons and six 
daughters, one of whom was Lady Charlotte, who married Mr. 
Speaker Denison, afterwards Viscount Ossington. The Duke died 
in 1854, in the 86th year of his age, and was succeeded by his son, 

William John Cavendish Scott Bentinck, born in 1800. 
He died, unmarried, in December, 1879, and was succeeded by his 
cousin William John Arthur Charles — son of Arthur, brother of 
the fourth Duke — the present Duke of Portland, who was born in 
1857, and whose kindness of heart and nobility of mind have made 
him one of the most popular peers in the country. The family 
motto is " Craignez honte " — Fear disgrace. 

DESCENT OF EARL MANVERS.— Robert Pierrepont was 
a General in the Conqueror's army, and derived his name from the 
castle of Pierrepont, in Picardy. One of his descendants married 
Annora de Manvers, of Holme Pierrepont, in this county. For 
many generations the Pierreponts were notable personages, and 
figured prominently in all the national events of the 14th and 15th 
centuries. It is probably through "Bess of Hard wick' ' that 
Thoresby was brought into the Pierrepont family. 

Henry Pierrepont married Frances Cavendish, eldest 
daughter of the famous Countess by her second husband, Sir 
William Cavendish. From the issue of this marriage came Robert 
Pierrepont, who, in 1627, was created Baron Pierrepont and Vis- 
count Newark. He gave substantial help to Charles I., and was 
Lieut. -General of the King's forces. In 1628, he was advanced to 
the dignity of Earl of Kingston. He was killed while crossing the 
Humber, in 1643, by an accidental shot. 

His eldest son Henry followed, and on his death the Earldom 
devolved on Robert, third Earl, grandson and heir of Henry's 
brother. He was successively followed by his two brothers, William 
and Evelyn ; the latter being created Marquis of Dorchester in 1706, 
and Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull, in 1715. He married Lady Mary 
Fielding, daughter of the Earl of Denbigh, by whom he had three 
daughters (one of them being the celebrated Lady Mary W T ortley 
Montagu), and one son. He also married a daughter of the first 
Earl of Portland. His son died without succeeding to the Duke- 
dom, but left a son Evelyn, who came into it on the death of his 
grandfather. 

On the demise of the second Duke, the titles became extinct, 
but he had an only sister, Lady Frances Pierrepont, who married, 
in 1734, Philip Medows, Esq., third son of Sir Philip Medows, 
Knight Marshal of the Palace. By this marriage there was Charles, 
upon whom devolved the estates of his uncle Evelyn, the second 
Duke. Charles assumed the name of Pierrepont, and was created 
Baron Pierrepont, of Holme Pierrepont, and Viscount Newark in 



DESCENT OF THE "DUKERIES." 145 

1796, and Earl Manvers in 1806. Upon his death in 1816, he was 
succeeded by his son, 

Charles Herbert, who married a daughter of Anthony Har- 
dolph Eyre, Esq., of Grove Park, Notts. Of this marriage there 
was issue: Charles Evelyn, Viscount Newark, who married Emily, 
daughter of Lord Hatherton, was m.p. for Retford and Bassetlaw, 
and died, without children, in 1850; Mary Frances, who married 
E. C. Egerton, Esq. ; Annora Charlotte, who married Charles Wat- 
kin Williams Wynn, Esq., and Sidney William Herbert, Viscount 
Newark, who w 7 as born on March, 12th, 1825, and became m.p. for 
South Notts. The last-named married on the 15th June, 1852, 
Mademoiselle Georgiana Jane Elizabeth Fanny, daughter of the 
French Due de Coigny, and succeeded to the title, as third Earl 
Manvers, in i860. He is known as a most benevolent nobleman 
and considerate landlord. His eldest son, Charles William Sydney, 
Viscount Newark, m.p. for the Newark division, was born August 
2nd, 1854. He married Miss Shaw Stewart, daughter of Sir Michael 
Shaw Stewart. The family motto is a play on the family surname : 
" Pie repone te " — In piety confide. 

Thus it has been shown how the families of four dukes, viz. : 
Devonshire, Newcastle, Portland, and Kingston are descended from 
"Bess of Hardwick," Countess of Shrewsbury. There is yet an- 
other Duke who claims her as an ancestress. Her third daughter, 
Mary Cavendish, married Gilbert Talbot, seventh Earl of Shrews- 
bury. On the eighth Earl dying without issue, the manorial proper- 
ties descended with the daughter of the seventh Earl, one of whom, 
Lady Alethea, married Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel, heir to 
the Dukedom of Norfolk. This was how the Worksop Manor 
Estate came into the hands of the family of Howard, from whom it 
passed, in 1840, by purchase, to the Duke of Newcastle. 



CONCLUSION. 



filN offering some concluding remarks to the reader, 
|jg we cannot do better than adopt the words of a 
QjP writer of a past generation: — "When we traverse 
Y in unrestrained freedom the pleasure grounds of 
the nobility, we are too often inclined to forget, amid 
our independent feelings as Englishmen, how much 
we are indebted to their generous liberality. In 
society or in solitude I have rambled over some of 
the sweetest portions of this parish, but never with- 
out a feeling of gratitude towards the owners of the 
grounds over which I passed. Indeed, I should little 
envy the mind of that man, who, in traversing this 
extensive "Dukery," should suffer his pleasure to be 
lessened by one transient emotion of envy or discon- 
tent from the knowledge that these immense estates 
were the property of four or five illustrious individ- 
uals." Let us add the hope that the admiring visitor 
will duly appreciate the magnanimous spirit of gene- 
rosity which animates the chiefs of these famous 
houses. It needs but the gentlest reminder to make 
the tourist take care not to commit any acls of dam- 
age or disorder, which would cause the high-minded 
noblemen regret, or their courteous retainers unneces- 
sary trouble. It can but be the wish of all right- 
thinking citizens to see the remains of the once noble 
forest, with its stately baronial homes, maintained as 
the pride and glory of England ; and no better cus- 
todians, than these distinguished families, could be 
found for preserving the "beauties of Sherwood." 



PRIVATE HOTEL ACCOMMODATION. 

FOHEST H OUSE , 

\ EDWINSTOWE. $ 

In the very midst of this salubrious and interesting district. 
(See annexed Maps). 

C. NAISH, Proprietor. 



P 



RIYATE SITTING ROOMS. Terms, Moderate. 

GOOD STABLING. LOCK-UP COACH-HOUSE. 



-!■ *b=i c=h~&~H=i tzEH •! 



CONVEYANCES of every description supplied to 

order. 

C. N. desires to advise intending Visitors to the "Dukeries" and 
" Merrie Sherwood " of the following important advantages : — 

^ppDWINSTOWE being situated in the heart of this 
jjrjjfli beautiful and unrivalle 



ed woodland scenery, and 
just midway of the Drive usually taken, and 
where the horses are baited, presents at once, to Pleasure 
Parties and Tourists, the most desirable facilities for pro- 
longing their stay. 

IS 5 " N.B. — C. N. is privileged by the different Noblemen in the neigh- 
bourhood to hold Keys and Passes for the Private Park and Forest 
Drives, which secures to his patrons the opportunity of enjoying their 
visit under the most favourable conditions. 



Postal Address : " C. NAISH, EDWINSTOWE, NEWARK:' 
Telegraphic Address: "NAISH, EDWINSTOWE, OLLERTON ." 



HQQSQN BROS-, 

IMPORTERS AND DEALERS IN 






if* W /fT* /A\ W IP! J 



(WHOLESALE & RETAIL), 

MARKET PLAGE, WORKSOP, 

Have pleasure in calling attention to their selected Brands 
for Home Consumption : 

The "NEWCASTLE" BRAND, 

A rich and choice fragrant Cigar, much appreciated and 
highly recommended. 

The "SHERWOOD RANGERS" BRAND, 

A compact, well-made Cigar, for in or out-door consumption, 
full flavour and mellow. 



MILD & PALE ALES, BITTER BEER & STOUT, 

Produced from the finest Malt and Hops, in large and small Casks, 
from their well-known Sheffield Breweries : 

SEASON-MADE MALT, FRESH GROUND. HOPS OF THE FINEST QUALITY. 

Offices & Stores : MARKET PLACE, WORKSOP. 

Maltkilns: EASTGATE, WORKSOP. 
Park and Whitehouse Breweries: SHEFFIELD. 




IF YOU WANT A GOOD 



GO TO 

H. KNQWXJSS 



3 



PH TOGBAPHIC AB TIS T, 

-<¥*** CATTLE MARKET, WORKSOP. 



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Per Doz. 

Bust Vignettes from . 12/- 
Crayon Drawings (each) 10/- 
Oil Paintings (each) . 25/- 



Per Doz, 

Cartes-de-Visite from 4/- 
Bust Vignettes do. 5/- 
Cabinets . . do. 10/- 



PHOTOGRAPHY in all its Branches.— + 



Cresswell Crags and the " Wonders of Welbeck," 



P ORTLAND ffOTEL, Caswell 

(Three Minutes' Walk from Elmton &> Cresswell Railway Station). 

T, PALMKH, PROPRI3GT.OH. 



Being within 5 Minutes' walk of the Celebrated and Beautiful 
Cresswell Crags, and within easy distance of Welbeck Abbey and Park, 
the wonderful seat of His Grace the Duke of Portland, it is conveniently 
situated for Visitors, who will find every accommodation. Dinners and 
Teas provided A Large Dining Room. CONVEYANCES SUPPLIED 
BY APPOINTMENT. Good Stabling. 




*5s~ (Near the "Major" Oak, and in the midst of the Forest.) 



EEUBEN PERRY, 



PBOPHIKTOK, 



BEGS to draw the attention of those who wish to visit this 
_J beautiful and interesting neighbourhood, to the first-class ac- 
commodation which is afforded at the above-mentioned hotel. 



DINNERS, LUNCHEONS, TEAS, ftc, PROVIDED. Private Rooms for Families. 

First-class Loose Boxes and Loch -tip Coach Houses. 



tisr* R. P. desires to point out the Advantages which Visitors 
have who stay here : — 

YJ^DWINSTOWE being in the centre of this Picturesque District, 
aJ| and quite close to the Forest, Visitors can be provided (just 
where and when refreshments are usually wanted) with all they 
require, and instead of being hastily driven to and from the neigh- 
bouring Towns, as is usually the case, they can enjoy at their leisure 
the pretty walks and scenery which the Forest affords. 

Those who desire to make a prolonged stay are afforded every 
accommodation, and with the salubrious situation of Edwinstowe, 
and the home comforts to be found at the " Royal Oak," they will 
assuredly have a health-promoting and pleasant visit. 



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CONTAINING — 

18 BEAUTIFUL VIEWS 



WELBECK, 
CLUMBER, 
THORESBY, 

SHERWOOD FOREST, 



INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING : — 

MAJOR OAK, ! BOLSOYER, 

CRESSWELL CRAGS, WORKSOP MANOR, 

ABBEY CHURCH, RUFFORD, 

WORKSOP, &c, &c. 

Enclosed in Handsome Cover. 

Price One Shilling. 



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May be had of SISSONS & SON, 

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tS- Sold in Bottles at 1/-, or Carriage Paid, 1/6, 

FROM 

JuLJca JUXtUUr JLVl ixXx, X 3 
VICTORIA SQUARE, WORKSOP. 



TO VISITORS, TOURISTS. AND 
PIC-NIC PARTIES. 



Four-in-Hand Brakes, Landaus, Wagonettes, &c. 




For the Best Turn-out for large or small Parties and 
further particulars, &c, apply to 

CASTLE & SONS, 
HORSE & CARRIAGE PROPRIETORS, 



~*fe 



" VICTORIA SQUARE, WORKSOP. 



» "i ■ « < ! »- 



♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦<*♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ ♦ *♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦-♦ 



ES" C. 6- 5. fog to draw the attention of intending Visitors to the following 
advantages which they can offer to their Patrons : 

By kind permission of the various Noblemen, Castle & Sons have 

the privilege of holding KEYS and PASSES, thus enabling their 

Patrons to visit all the Private Drives, &c. 

Luncheons, Dinners, Teas, &c, &c, provided at Worksop, 

Edwinstowe, Ollerton, or Normanton Inn, thus enabling 

Parties to spend the whole of the day in the Forest. 



PHOTOG-BAPHS 

— OF 

Sherwood Forest and the "Dukeries." 
SISSONS & SON, 



H 



POTTER ST., WORKSOP, 

AVING made arrangements with one of the most renowned 

Photographers in the Kingdom, to secure views of the leading 

places of interest in this district, desire to notify that they have now 

in Stock a large and complete selection of the most beautifully-executed 

Photographs ever taken of this neighbourhood, including views of 

The Interiors and Exteriors of Noblemen's Mansions, 

FOREST SCENERY, FAMOUS OAKS, &c. 



FOR LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS SEE OPPOSITE ^ 



Special attention is requested to their new OPAL PICTURES 

(Photographed on Porcelain), with brass stand, complete. Cabinets, 2/6 
each. Some of the Landscape Views of this District, on Porcelain, have a most 
beautiful and charming effect. 

ALL ORDERS FROM THE LIST WILL RECEIVE PROMPT ATTENTION. 



S. & S. have made arrangements for supplying a series of elegant 
Morocco Albums, richly gilt, and containing a selection of Photographs, 
forming most handsome volumes for Presentation, or for the Drawing- 
Room Table. tS~ These are particularly suitable for Wedding 
Presents and Birthday Gifts. 

Any of the Photographs may be chosen, and any number of them 
mounted into Books to order. 

Owing to the exceeding frailty of un-mounted Photographs, they cannot 
bt ■ sent out on approval. 

L6»r2Q 



The following is a LIST OF VIEWS, for any of which 
SISSONS & SON will be pleased to receive orders. 



Imp' I Cab't 
Size. Size. 
12x8 8x5 
•6640 6640 



6550 
6551 

6619 
6624 
6644 

6622 
6623 
6555 
6556 
6560 
6561 
6557 
6558 
6559 
6620 
6553 

6552 
6563 
6567 



Gatehouse and Abbey Church 

Worksop 
H est Front, Abbey Church 
Abbey Chubch, Wokksop : — 

From S. W. 

From N.E. 
Lady Chapel 
Interior, looking W. 
„ looking E. 
Welbeck Abbey : — 
From Boat House 
West Front 



From West 



Entrance Hall 
Gothic Hall 
Music Room 
Picture Gallery 

Chapel 

Library and Chapel 
Riding School 
Tan Gallop 

Approach to the Tunnel 
Inside Palm House 

The Rosery 
Cresswell Crags, Welbeck 
The 'Porter' Oaks, Welbeck Park 
The 'Ruysdale' Oak 
The 'Seven Sisters' Oak „ 
The 'Greendale' Oak 
The 'Major' Oak, Sherwood Forest 

The 'Centre' Oak, 
The 'Shambles' Oak. ,, 

The 'Parliament' Oak. 
Thobesby HorsE : — 
From S.E. 



From River 
From East 



Imp' I 


Cab't 




Size. 


Size. 




12x8 


8 x 5 


Trobesby House : — 


6701 


6701 


From N.E. 




6680 


„ S.W. 


6684 


6684 


Great Hall 


6702 


6702 




6732 




Chimney Piece 
Thobesby Pabk : — 


6693 


6693 


Lime Tree Avenue 


6690 


6690 


The Bridge 


6694 


6694 


The 'Buck' Gates 


6687 


6687 


Perlethorpe Church 


6697 


6697 


Approach to 'Buck' Gates 




6691 


In the 'BiBKLi-NDS,' Sh'wood ForeBt 




6692 




6695 


6695 




6706 






6703 


6703 


,, near 'Major' Oak 


6707 






6696 


6696 


A Forest Road, Sherwood Forest 


6700 


6700 


The Arch School, . „ 


6685 


6685 
6686 


Russian Cabin ,, 
Clumbeb House : — 


6617 


6617 


From East 




6625 


,, Bridge 


6628 


6628 
6641 


„ S.E. 


6627 


6627 


',', South 




6632 


„ West 


6542 




„ Terrace, S.E. 


6616 


6616 


The Terrace 




6629 


The Terrace Fountain- 


6630 


6630 


Lincoln Ten ace 


6631 


6631 


The Bridge 


6634 


6634 


The Lake, from Terrace 


6633 


6633 


,, from Battery 




6618 


,, from Pleasure Ground 




6626 


»> 


6643 




Cedar Tree in Park 
Roche Abbey : — 


5779 


5779 


From the River 


5778 


5778 


From the East 


5818 






5809 


5809 


From West 




7030 


From N.E. 


5810 




Noon in the Park 




6079 


On the Lake 


5808 




Roche Abbey 



-Imperials, 12 x 8 inches 2/- each. Cabinets, 



PRICES, UNMOUNTED: 

8x5 inches, 1/- each. 

PANEL PICTURES— mounted on best gilt bevel-edged Mounts, 6d. each 
extra. All Photographs sent un-mounttd unless otherwise ordered. 



.BE 




, glggQWg & gQN , 

STEAM PRINTERS, 

Woeksop, Notts., 



£1,- 
MS> 



rY^ESIRE to draw the attention of those who con- 
gkLpi template producing Local Histories or Printed 
^ ;^ Books of any kind, to the facilities they pos- 
sess for the execution of superior Letterpress 
3 Printing. Their premises and plant are re- 

plete with every modern appliance, whilst their clients 
may rely upon the exercise of the utmost care con- 
cerning any work entrusted to them. 

Where illustrations are required, S. & S. will be 
glad to offer advice anent'the various new processes 
of engraving available for book illustration. In addi- 
tion to the advantages accruing therefrom, they will 
be pleased to offer .'(^^v suggestions of a technical 
character to those who seek their services. 

Sissons & Son will be f)leaseci to give estimates 
for any kind of printing, on application. 



EfcRY Description of 

ARTISTIC PRINTING 

KXTTTTTXT 



~x nnrn rrn txjcx txxx rrmrt icHEEE 

Including WEDDING GMjDS, INVITATION CARDS, BALL PROGRAMMES, 
MENU CARDS, in THE^W^psr styles, carefully executed at fair prices. 



fc^er* Orders per Post receivevfrnKLittention < and carriage is defrayed. 



tr ^ tj ^ l w2&5 igp^ 



